A man identified as a dangerous predator was apprehended by police following a sexual assault on a 13-year-old girl, with DNA evidence linking him to the crime. Dominic Boultwood, aged 28, enticed the victim to a wooded area at Bourne Valley Nature Reserve near Mersea Road in Colchester on May 9, 2024. Essex Police reported that Boultwood engaged the girl in a sexual conversation, verified her young age, and then proceeded to assault her.
In a hearing at Woolwich Crown Court, Boultwood, previously convicted of a separate sexual offense in 2015, received a 21-year sentence – 13 years in prison followed by eight years under supervision. Despite the victim’s distress and plea to leave, Boultwood instructed her to stay for five minutes before departing the scene.
After disclosing the incident to a friend, the girl informed the police, leading to an investigation that provided specialized assistance to the victim. Boultwood was arrested on May 15, and DNA evidence from the victim’s clothing definitively linked him to the assault. During interrogation, he denied interactions with the child, attributing his DNA presence to frequenting the area for sleeping and urinating.
The investigation earned accolades from a Crown Court judge for the diligent work of Essex Police officers, particularly highlighting the contributions of specific detectives. Boultwood faced trial in March the previous year, where additional charges for indecent images of children were brought against him, resulting in convictions for all offenses.
At his sentencing, Boultwood was informed of indefinite notification requirements, a renewed Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and a lifelong restraining order to safeguard the victim. Judge Levett condemned Boultwood’s actions as exploitative and emphasized the importance of safe environments for children in nature reserves.
Detective Inspector James Holmes characterized Boultwood as a perilous sexual offender, emphasizing the victim’s courage and urging other victims to come forward for support. Essex residents affected by sexual offenses were encouraged to seek assistance from specialized officers or contact Synergy Essex for confidential support services.
