LEE MARLOW FROM HARBOUROUGH JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRL

In May 2014, a man from Harborough named Lee Jonathan Marlow, aged 46, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison after admitting to sexually abusing a young girl. The court heard that Marlow, a former owner of a haulage company, pleaded guilty to eight separate counts of indecent assault committed against the girl when she was between the ages of 11 and 14.

Leicester Crown Court was informed that the impact of Marlow's actions had profoundly affected the victim's life. Judge Robert Brown, presiding over the case, emphasized the long-lasting damage caused by the offences, noting that the abuse had remained undisclosed for two decades. The judge stated, "The offences didn’t come to light for 20 years. Her life has been ruined. She’s lost her confidence and is full of self-doubt. She can’t enjoy normal sexual relationships because she’s haunted in those situations by the memory of what you did to her. Hopefully, with counselling and help, she will regain her life."

The victim, who was an adult by the time she reported the abuse to authorities, revealed the extent of her suffering during the court proceedings. Judge Brown addressed Marlow directly, saying, "You abused her for your own sexual pleasure. You contrived situations to make it possible."

Marlow, of Coltsfoot Way, Broughton Astley, was also subjected to a lifelong sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with females under the age of 16. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

Prosecutor Victoria Rose detailed the nature of the offences, which involved touching and a non-penetrative sexual act, occurring across four separate incidents. She explained that Marlow had told the victim that they shared "a secret," which added to her confusion and shame. Rose further stated that the girl, by the time she reached secondary school, realized that what had happened was wrong, leaving her feeling deeply ashamed. She confronted Marlow at one point and told him she could never forgive him for his actions.

In mitigation, Rebecca Herbert acknowledged the seriousness of Marlow’s behaviour, stating, "There’s no excuse for his behaviour and he recognises the appalling nature of this abuse. He accepts fully that the consequences, for the complainant, have been huge and far-reaching." She added that Marlow had anticipated that his actions would eventually come to light and emphasized that the offences were not repeated with force or threats. Herbert also noted that Marlow had led a relatively unremarkable life, working hard to support his family. He previously owned a successful haulage business, which he has now liquidated, partly as a consequence of his criminal actions.

Overall, the case highlights the devastating impact of Marlow’s abuse on the victim’s life and underscores the importance of justice and safeguarding measures for vulnerable individuals in the community.