A man has been jailed after being found guilty of breaking into a woman’s home in Halstead with the intention of carrying out a sexual offence.

Lewis Caruth, 31, of Highland Road, Upper Norwood, was charged with sexual assault, common assault and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence.

Caruth was acquitted of sexual assault and common assault.

On Friday, November 1 at Chelmsford Crown Court he was convicted by a jury of trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence.

He was jailed for three years, was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely and he was given a restraining order for four years.

On May 19, Caruth broke into the home of a woman known to him at around 8am.

Investigating Officer, DC Gavin Tuck of Chelmsford’s Domestic Abuse Investigations Team, said: “Caruth turned up the address uninvited and let himself in before startling a friend of the victim, who saw him walking around the house.”

“I would like to thank the victim, witness and her family for their support throughout this case.

“Caruth has continued to deny the offence but he was found guilty by a jury and has been sent to prison.”

The woman, who wished not to be named, said: "I wish to add my thanks to the officer in the case, the police and the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service, who have supported me throughout this case.  

"I want to add that if you are a victim of domestic violence or a sexual offence, or both, there is fantastic help and support available for you."

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been updated after Essex Police reissued a press release sent out this morning.