CARL MACE FROM BLABY, LEICESTER, SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN LEICESTER AREA

In August 2013, a man named Carl Mace, aged 37 and residing in Latimer Close, Blaby, Leicester, was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison following a conviction for the sexual abuse of two young girls. The crimes took place over a span of several years, beginning when the victims were as young as six or seven years old and continuing until they were between 10 and 12.

At Nottingham Crown Court, Mace faced a 10-day trial in June, during which he denied all charges. These included two counts of raping the girls when they were aged between 10 and 12, as well as seven charges of indecency that allegedly started when the victims were just six or seven years old. Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty of all charges.

Prosecutor David Povall emphasized the profound and lasting impact of Mace’s actions on the victims, stating, “These crimes have had a devastating and long-lasting effect on the two victims.” The court heard that the abuse was carried out at addresses within the Leicester area, with Mace exploiting his position of power and age advantage over the young girls.

During the sentencing hearing, Mace’s defense lawyer, Philip Gibbs, argued that his client was an “immature child” at the time of the offenses. He pointed out that, despite some minor blemishes on his record, Mace had shown signs of rehabilitation and was hopeful that he could reintegrate into society as a productive adult. Gibbs stated, “Whatever Carl Mace was as a young person, the court is able to show he is not a risk any more.”

However, Recorder Michael Elsom highlighted the difficulty in determining what sentence might have been appropriate had the crimes been prosecuted in 1994, when the abuse reportedly ceased. He explained that many factors were considered, including Mace’s age, his recent good character, the fact that there was more than one victim, and the duration of the offending, which spanned from January 1987 to December 1994.

Addressing Mace directly, the Recorder stated, “You were no more than 10 years of age when it began. This was not a case of young people enjoying sexual experimentation. These were genuine offences committed with young girls against their will. You took a dominant role aided by the fact you were older than they were. These are offences for which you have shown no remorse. The offences of rape were committed against girls aged under 13. That in itself is an aggravating factor. You must have known this was wrong.”

In an act of leniency, the court acknowledged the complexities of the case but ultimately sentenced Mace to nine years for each of the two rape counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. Additionally, he received sentences ranging from two to four years for the indecent assaults, which will also run concurrently, resulting in a total prison term of nine years.

Recorder Elsom concluded by remarking, “You have proved yourself to be a much better adult. I cannot give you any credit for a guilty plea because there was none, and nor do you accept what you have done.” The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the offenses committed by Carl Mace in the Leicester area, and the lengthy sentence underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats such crimes.