Scott Layfield 52

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Women sexually abused as children have thanked one of our officers after their abuser was sent to prison for 22 years.

Thanks to work of specialist detectives, Scott Layfield was convicted in May of 26 charges including rape and sexual assault.

The charges relate to offences against six girls between 2011 and 2021, mainly in the Rayleigh area.

"I’m glad he’s been seen for who he truly is."

One of the women said:

“Scott Layfield has made my childhood memories a blank space, something that most adults enjoy looking back on.

“The subject of this court case as well as so much more, has changed the way I subconsciously handle everyday situations.

“Thank you to Essex Police, especially PC Nick Schneider who has made these last eight years of waiting feel a little less daunting!

“The sentencing, no matter how long he gets, will never make my childhood reality disappear but I’m glad he’s been seen for who he truly is.”.

“All I want now is to be able to live my life without fear"

Another of the women said:

“The crimes that were committed to me are something I will have to live with for the rest of my life and have caused me a great deal of pain and emotional trauma.

“No sentence will fully feel like justice, but it is a step in the right direction.

“I would like to thank Essex Police and PC Nick Schneider for the hard work and support they have put in to helping me, and the other victims, on a daily basis through the years they have worked with us.

“All I want now is to be able to live my life without fear that he’ll be able to hurt me or anyone else again.”

"A huge thank you to Nick and Mike"

Another said:

“I would like to thank Essex police, especially PC Nick Schneider for taking this case seriously and helping to bring Scott Layfield to justice.

“Although this doesn’t change what has happened, I can now move on with my life without worrying about where he might be and preventing others from going through this.”

Another woman said:

“A huge thank you to Nick and Mike Budd and everyone at Essex Police for their years of dedication and hard work in bringing this evil man to justice. Thank you for believing us and helping us get the justice we deserved.

“Thank you to everyone at SERICC, including Paula and Anji, for supporting me through my darkest days and being there when I needed someone to talk to.

“To any other victims, whether in this case or any other: you’re not alone. Please reach out when you’re ready—there are people who will believe you, support you, and help you.”

"He didn’t account for Essex Police"

Layfield, 52, of Paddock Close, Leigh-on-Sea, was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday 30 July to immediate custody for 22 years, with a six-year extended licence, and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

PC Schneider, who led the case, said:

“I want to pay tribute to the courage and perseverance of the women involved in this case and I want to thank them for trusting us with their story.

“Scott Layfield subjected them to things no-one should ever have to experience and yet they have shown great dignity throughout the investigation and the court case.

“Layfield told one of the girls no-one would believe her but he didn’t account for Essex Police. The women in this case have stood up against Layfield and their testimony has ensured he’s now behind bars.

“If someone has the courage to come forward and report the abuse they’ve faced, we listen to them, support them, and investigate.

“I believe there may be other people abused by Layfield and if there are, please come forward and tell us what happened.”