LEE MARTIN FROM BILBOROUGH SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS FOR RAPE AND ABUSE IN NOTTINGHAM
In August 2017, a disturbing case unfolded at Nottingham Crown Court involving Lee Martin, a 46-year-old karate instructor from Bilborough, who was found guilty of heinous crimes including rape and multiple indecent assaults.The court heard harrowing testimony from his victims, one of whom, now an adult, described Martin as a 'monster' for the suffering inflicted upon him during his childhood.
Judge James Sampson delivered a stern sentence, condemning Martin for his predatory behavior towards two teenage boys.
The judge highlighted that both victims came from troubled, dysfunctional backgrounds, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
He stated, “Both of your victims came from an unhappy, dysfunctional home.
You were well aware of that.
When they met you, each was beginning a life of petty crime, alcohol, and drug abuse.
Each in his own way was a vulnerable young man.
They were susceptible to being plied with alcohol.
You took advantage of their vulnerabilities and you groomed and corrupted them.” The court was told that Martin had raped one of the boys twice and repeatedly indecently assaulted him.
The victim, who was subjected to these acts during his adolescence, read a statement aloud in court, revealing the long-lasting impact of Martin’s actions.
“I have been afraid for years and kept a horrible secret,” he said.
“I want justice for what this monster has done to me and the impact it has had on me for the rest of my life.” Regarding the second victim, the judge explained that Martin had threatened him with his life if he disclosed the abuse.
The second boy was subjected to repeated indecent assaults as well.
The court heard that Martin, who resides on Denewood Crescent in Bilborough, denied all allegations, claiming to police that he was “straight and celibate.” Prosecutor Sarah Knight emphasized the straightforward nature of the case, stating to the jury, “The issue in this case was simple – did these sexual acts happen?
The defendant maintains that they are concocted complaints, and all the complainants are lying about him.” After a thorough trial, Martin was convicted of 14 counts of indecent assault and two counts of rape.
The judge sentenced him to a total of 22 years in prison.
Additionally, Martin will be required to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, be subject to a sexual harm prevention order, and is now barred from working with children, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the need to protect the community from further harm.
