A former teaching assistant has been jailed for the sexual assault of a child under 13.

Essex Police officers from the child abuse investigation teams (CAIT) arrested 25-year-old Michael Pena-Briggs shortly after an offence was reported to the force in March 2019.

Following a complex investigation he was charged in October 2019 with sexual assault of a child under 13.

Pena-Briggs, of The Grove in Cambridge, faced his first trial for the offence at Chelmsford Crown Court in May 2021 but was met with a hung jury.

The retrial began last month where he was found guilty.

It took less than 2 hours for the jury to reach the verdict.

Read more >>> Pervert who exposed himself and tried to incite 12-year-olds into sex act is jailed

At the same court on Monday he was jailed for four years. He will also be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Investigating officer for the case, Detective Sergeant Stuart Pryke, said: “Offences of this kind will always be shocking and disturbing, particularly when that person is in a position of trust.

“This will undoubtedly be difficult news for the local community but please be assured that our teams and partners have safeguarded and supported all those involved in the investigation.

“The victim and their family have shown incredible strength and courage throughout this lengthy and complex case.

Read more >>> Thug punched and spat at nurses before starting fire inside Basildon Hospital

“Everything we do and all the hard work is for them, to make sure that they get the justice they deserve."

The victim’s family have said: “This has been a long journey but the police and the CPS have been unrelenting in their pursuit of justice.

“We are especially grateful to DS Pryke of Essex Police for his commitment and dedication, and to CARA, the Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse, for their ongoing support.

“We hope that by achieving this significant result, other victims and their families will have the confidence to come forward and work with the police so that more offenders can be apprehended and more children protected.”