NORFOLK SEX OFFENDER ON RUN GETS 11 YEARS
Norfolk police last night were hunting a sex offender who went on the run during his trial and was convicted in his absence of having sex with a young girl starting when she was just nine years old.Alan Marks, 59, of Jubilee Farm, Feltwell, initially attended the start of his trial this week at Norwich Crown Court but then failed to turn up for the hearing on Wednesday.
After legal argument it was decided to carry on with the rest of his trial in his absence.
The offences date back about 30 years, and Marks was found guilty of three counts of having sex with the girl – with the first offence being when she was nine and the last offence occurring when she was 11.
Jailing him for 11 years, Judge Paul Downes said: 'At an early stage the defendant chose not to attend his trial.' He said the offences started when the girl was very young and were accompanied by unpleasant behaviour and threats if she told anyone about the sex assaults.
Judge Downes also banned Marks from ever working with children and placed him on the sex offender's register for life.
He said that if Marks were picked up, as well as having to serve his sentence he warned that he could also face an additional sentence to reflect the contempt of court by going on the run.
Nicola Devas, for Marks, said that there had been no other offences of this kind.
'It happened many years ago.
There is nothing of a similar nature on his record.' A Norfolk police spokesman confirmed they were looking for the missing man.
She said: 'Extensive inquiries have and continue to be carried out in order to locate 59-year-old Alan Marks who was reported missing on Tuesday, February 22.
She said: 'He was last seen at about 6pm near his home address in Southery Road, Feltwell, and is described as 5ft 10ins and of medium build.
He wears glasses and has shaven grey hair.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should contact Norfolk police immediately on 0845 456 4567.'
