Locations
Winnock Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1
Description
Two families have thanked Essex detectives for their investigative work - which ensured a dangerous child sexual abuser was jailed for his crimes.
Cosmin Cercel sexually assaulted and took indecent images of one child and used AI technology to make indecent images of a second victim.
The 30-year-old from Colchester was jailed for five years and four months when he appeared at Ipswich Crown Court for sentencing.
An investigation was launched in December 2025 after one young victim told their mum they had been assaulted by the defendant.
An initial interrogation of his phone revealed the full scale of his offending.
Due to the volume of content, an urgent specialist review of the defendant’s device was carried out and this intensive phone work identified a second victim and further offences.
Detectives were able to speak to the family of the second child, who were unaware of Cercel’s offending. They were supported by our officers as the scope of our investigation continued.
We discovered he had used AI technology to make images of the second child appear to look like they were not wearing clothes.
Cercel, of Winnock Road, was charged with:
- Attempted rape
- Four counts of Sexual Assault on a Child (Under 13)
- Causing or Inciting a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity
- Taking Indecent Images of a Child – Category A
- Taking Indecent Images of a Child – Category B
- Taking Indecent Images of a Child – Category C
- Making a Pseudo Photograph of a Child
He denied the count of attempted rape, but admitted the other nine offences when he appeared at the same court on 2 February 2026.
The count of attempted rape was left to lie on file.
families thank officers
On Tuesday 12 May he was jailed for five years and four months, placed on the sex offenders’ register and is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order.
Following the case, the families of both children thanked the officers in the case for the efficiency and speed of the investigation.
Lead investigator Detective Constable Fiona Brodie said:
"This case involved a significant betrayal of trust by an individual who took advantage of young, vulnerable children.
"As the officer in the case, I am immensely proud of the swift, dedicated work of our team; by using advanced digital forensics, we were able to quickly uncover the full extent of Cercel’s actions and ensure he was held accountable for his crimes.
"Most importantly, I want to praise the incredible bravery and strength of the victims and their families.
"They have shown such dignity throughout this investigation, and I hope this sentence provides them with some sense of justice as they begin to move forward."