Isle of Wight
Rapist
Child Sexual Abuser
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JONATHAN RICHARD MAERTENS SENTENCE EXTENDED IN COURT OF APPEAL - ISLE OF WIGHT
Jonathan Richard Maertens, a 35-year-old man from Freshwater, has seen his prison sentence for sexual offences against nine children increased following an appeal.
Maertens recorded himself abusing girls aged between four and 17.
During the investigation, authorities recovered nearly 2,500 video recordings and 12,000 indecent images on hard drives that detailed his direct offending.
He pleaded guilty to 34 counts, including: - 10 counts of multiple incidents of rape of a child under 13 - Three counts, including two of multiple incidents, of assault of a child under 13 by penetration - Five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 - Three counts, including one of multiple incidents, of rape of a child - Two counts of multiple incidents of assault by penetration of a child - Three counts of sexual assault of a child - Three counts of taking indecent photographs of a child - One count of making indecent photographs of a child - Three counts, including two of multiple incidents, of administering a substance with intent - One count of possessing a paedophile manual Maertens was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years at Isle of Wight Crown Court on 23 November last year.
However, this sentence was challenged under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) Scheme.
On Friday, 19 March 2021, the Court of Appeal determined that Maertens' sentence was unduly lenient and increased the minimum term to 25 years.
Following the ruling, Detective Sergeant Damon Kennard commented: "We welcome the Court of Appeal decision today to extend the sentence of Jonathan Maertens.
I hope this provides further justice to the girls and their families, who continue to receive support from services as they seek to move on with their lives.
We take all reports of sexual assault extremely seriously and will do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.
It is vital for us that people have the confidence to report incidents to us."
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
of multiple incidents, of administering a substance with intent - One count of possessing a paedophile manual Maertens was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years at Isle of Wight Crown Court on 23 November last ye...
Life or indeterminate sentence
16 years
He pleaded guilty to 34 counts, including: - 10 counts of multiple incidents of rape of a child under 13 - Three counts, including two of multiple incidents, of assault of a child under 13 by penetration - Five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 - Three counts, including one of multiple incidents, of rape of a child - Two counts of multiple incidents of assault by penetration of a child - Three counts of sexual assault of a child - Three counts of taking indecent photographs of a child - One count of making indecent photographs of a child - Three counts, including two of multiple incidents, of administering a substance with intent - One count of possessing a paedophile manual Maertens was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years at Isle of Wight Crown Court on 23 November last year
Prison sentence
16 years
He pleaded guilty to 34 counts, including: - 10 counts of multiple incidents of rape of a child under 13 - Three counts, including two of multiple incidents, of assault of a child under 13 by penetration - Five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 - Three counts, including one of multiple incidents, of rape of a child - Two counts of multiple incidents of assault by penetration of a child - Three counts of sexual assault of a child - Three counts of taking indecent photographs of a child - One count of making indecent photographs of a child - Three counts, including two of multiple incidents, of administering a substance with intent - One count of possessing a paedophile manual Maertens was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years at Isle of Wight Crown Court on 23 November last year
