A rapist from Forest Gate who sexually abused a toddler has been jailed.

Lee Miles, previously of Studley Road, received his sentence at Basildon Crown Court on April 18 following a three-year investigation by Essex Police's child abuse investigation team. 

Their investigation was launched in July 2021 after the force received a detailed report of several serious sexual assaults against a boy in Southend. 

Miles, 51, was arrested the following month and denied all allegations of the assaults which spanned more than four years. 

This Is Local London: Lee Miles was jailed for 18 yearsLee Miles was jailed for 18 years (Image: Essex Police)

He was later charged with four counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act, and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. 

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After a week-long trial, Miles was found guilty of nine of these sexual offences, excluding one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act. 

A judge at Basildon Crown Court sentenced him to 18 years' imprisonment with an extended four-year licence. 

PC Michael Budd, who investigated the crimes, said: “The victim was just a toddler when he was subjected to this heinous abuse from Miles.

“It’s hard to wrap your head around the crimes that Miles committed but I hope that the victim and their family can move forward knowing that he is behind bars and unable to harm any more children.

“I commend the bravery of the victim and their family. This bravery paired with their patience throughout a three-year investigation has taken a dangerous man off the streets."

Miles has also been issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order.