A PAEDOPHILE has been convicted of sexually assaulting children – including eight counts of rape.
John Edwards broke down in tears after a jury of five women and seven men convicted him of the crimes.
The 44-year-old, of Gordon Road, Basildon, carried out the assaults within the borough of Basildon.
At the time of the offences, at least one of the victims was under the age of 13.
Edwards was charged with eight counts of rape, five counts of sexual assault, sexual activity with children, inciting children into sexual activity, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of children.
Edwards denied all the charges, and the trial was heard at Basildon Crown Court from the start of November, until the jury returned their verdicts yesterday.