A SURVIVOR of sexual assault has praised one of our officers after a man was sentenced for offences against her.

Through a seven-day trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, the jury heard how Barry Billings behaviour had had a serious and detrimental effect on her life.

He controlled who she could talk to and spend time with as well as preventing her from leaving her west Essex home, and set up a camera in her bedroom.

Detectives launched an investigation after speaking to the survivor. Forty year-old Billings denied the allegations, but following a detailed investigation he was charged with 10 offences.

On April 1 Billings, of Epping Green, Hertfordshire, was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and coercive and controlling behaviour.

The jury found him not guilty on four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.

At the same court on Wednesday 13 May he was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for two years, 200 hours of unpaid work, 40 days of rehabilitation requirement, 6 months of electronic monitoring a restraining order put in place for six years as well as subject to notification requirements for 10 years and restrictions on working with children and vulnerable persons.

Following the case the survivor said: “I spoke up through live chat because it felt safer while it was happening. You should always feel safe and be respected.

“To anyone struggling: support is there for you whenever you are ready. 

“I want to give special thanks to PC Emans, Jurga (my independent sexual violence advisor), and everyone at SERICC for their incredible work.”

PC Emans, who led the investigation, said: “I first and foremost want to pay tribute to the survivor in this case. She has been through a terrible ordeal, but showed incredible resilience and determination throughout.

“She used our live chat function on our website to report Billings’ offending and I hope this shows people in a similar position that, when you are ready, reach out to us in anyway you feel safe.

“We will be there to support you and thoroughly investigate your case.”