Essex Predator Receives Extended 21-Year Sentence for Horrific Attack
A dangerous sexual predator from Essex has been handed an extended 21-year prison sentence after DNA evidence linked him to the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. Dominic Boultwood, 28, was already a convicted sex offender at the time of the attack, which occurred in May 2024.
Luring and Assault in Nature Reserve
Boultwood lured the victim to a wooded area of Bourne Valley Nature Reserve, near Mersea Road in Colchester, on May 9, 2024. Essex Police confirmed that he engaged the girl in a sexualised conversation, verified her young age, and then subjected her to a horrific assault. During the attack, Boultwood repeatedly warned the distressed child not to report him to police or tell anyone what had happened.
After the assault, he instructed her to remain at the scene for five minutes while he walked away. The girl later returned home, confided in a friend, and police were alerted, launching an immediate investigation with specialist support for the victim.
DNA Evidence and Arrest
While multiple pieces of evidence pointed to Boultwood, forensic DNA discovered on the victim's clothing provided the crucial link. Officers arrested him on May 15 and searched his home, seizing a quantity of cannabis. Boultwood initially claimed he had been fishing in the nature reserve on the day of the offence and denied seeing or speaking to any child.
When presented with the DNA evidence in a second interview, he bizarrely suggested his DNA could have been on the girl's clothing because he regularly slept and urinated in the area. He was subsequently charged with sexual assault and assault by penetration and remanded in custody.
Previous Convictions and Court Orders
Boultwood had previously been convicted in 2015 for a separate sexual assault, receiving a seven-year sentence comprising four years in custody and three years on licence. At the time of the 2024 attack, he was subject to:
- Notification requirements as a registered sex offender
- A Sexual Harm Prevention Order
- Monitoring software on his mobile phone
Despite these strict conditions, he chose to disregard them completely, showing what detectives described as "utter contempt for his victim and the law."
Trial and Sentencing
Boultwood stood trial at Ipswich Crown Court in March 2025, where he was also convicted of making indecent images of children after officers found numerous images of children aged between three and 13 on his mobile phone.
At Woolwich Crown Court, Judge Martyn Levett handed Boultwood an extended 21-year sentence - 13 years in prison followed by eight years on extended licence. The judge stated that Boultwood had "manipulated a very young girl to fulfil his sexual desire" and emphasized that nature reserves should be safe spaces for children.
Additional measures imposed include:
- Indefinite notification requirements
- A renewed Sexual Harm Prevention Order
- A lifelong restraining order
Police Commendation and Victim's Statement
Judge Levett issued a formal commendation to the Essex Police investigative team, praising their "focused attention and hard work from people who work late at night and probably very early in the morning." He specifically singled out DC Tamsin Lyons, DC Debbie Hewett, DC Owen Clements and DS Gavin Wiseman for their contributions.
The victim's mother expressed gratitude toward the officers, stating: "Officers were amazing. I know these things are scary but the sooner you speak out the quicker police can get the person and hopefully, in time, give closure." She added that patience is important and emphasized the need for more presence in quiet, enclosed areas to ensure public safety.
Detective's Warning and Support Resources
Detective Inspector James Holmes of Essex Police's Serious Crime Directorate described Boultwood as "a dangerous sexual predator who poses a very real risk to young girls" and noted that he has never shown any remorse for his actions. Holmes praised the victim for her "patience and bravery" throughout the investigation.
The detective emphasized that victims of sexual offences in Essex will be listened to and their voices heard. He highlighted that the force has specialist officers dedicated to investigating sexual offences against children and encouraged victims to contact Independent Sexual Violence Advisors if they're not ready to speak to police directly.
Victims can also consult Synergy Essex, which offers free, confidential help to anyone in Essex affected by rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence, regardless of when the incident occurred.
