In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Ricky Champ, then 40, of Goldingham Drive, Braintree, Essex, was sentenced to nearly eight years in prison. On Wednesday, 28 January 2026, Champ appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court for sentencing after admitting to the sexual abuse of a child in north Essex.
The investigation established that Champ carried out a series of sexual assaults between September and October 2025. The prosecution reported that the case progressed rapidly, moving from the initial report in October to a final sentence within just four months. In November 2025, Champ pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault on a child. Following his conviction, the victim’s mother emphasised that while her “worst nightmare” had become a reality, the support from the Essex Police child abuse investigation team had been impeccable.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
Detective Constable Katie Knight emphasised that the bravery shown by the young victim and her mother throughout the proceedings was truly humbling. The court reported that Champ showed no remorse during the trial, with the victim’s mother describing his demeanour as smug. The judge emphasised that the sentence of seven years and ten months reflected the gravity of the harm inflicted on the child and the need to protect other women and girls in the community.
The prosecution emphasised that Champ would be subject to rigorous monitoring for the rest of his life. The judge noted that the swift resolution of the case was due to the strength of the evidence presented by the Essex Police officers, including Katie Knight, Hayley Green, and Sarah Woollett. For his crimes in Braintree, the court determined that Champ must be removed from the streets to prevent any further risk of sexual exploitation.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Essex, Ricky Champ was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Seven years and ten months in immediate custody.
- SHPO: A lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- Convictions: Admitted three counts of sexual assault on a child.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Champ is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Essex Police. His history of targeting a child in north Essex means his status remains under the highest level of scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Champ must comply with mandatory notification requirements regarding his residence in Goldingham Drive, Braintree. Authorities state that his lifetime SHPO is a critical tool for the Public Protection Unit to monitor his movements and behaviour upon any future release. Any breach of his registration conditions or his licence terms will result in his immediate return to Chelmsford Crown Court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.