BISHOP AUCKLAND MAN MARCUS PINDER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENS IN DURHAM
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bishop Auckland, Marcus Pinder, aged 25, was found guilty of engaging in multiple sexual activities with underage girls, exploiting his social media fame on TikTok to groom and manipulate vulnerable teenagers.The incidents came to light after one of the girls, who was under the age of 18, confided in a friend about her inappropriate relationship with Pinder.
This disclosure prompted the friend to alert the girl’s mother, who then contacted the police.
The investigation revealed that Pinder had been grooming the girl shortly after she first reached out to him on TikTok, with the court hearing that he began meeting her for sexual encounters within days of their initial contact.
Many of these meetings took place in secluded locations around Durham, including deserted industrial estates and a farm track, where Pinder would often park his car to carry out these illicit activities.
Court proceedings detailed that Pinder, who had amassed over 40,000 followers on TikTok, told the girl he wanted to marry her and have her child, despite her expressing that she was too young for such commitments.
His inappropriate advances escalated over time, with the court hearing that he made increasingly depraved sexual demands, including being physically rough and attempting to choke her during intercourse.
One particularly disturbing request involved Pinder asking the girl to wear her school uniform so he could choke her with her tie during sex.
The girl complied with these requests, partly because she had earlier sent him compromising photographs of herself, which he kept, making her feel vulnerable and exposed.
Pinder also persuaded her to introduce him to a friend, hoping to arrange a threesome, which ultimately did not happen.
However, he did go on to have sex with the second girl, also in his car, further demonstrating his predatory behavior.
The case was brought to light when the second girl confided in a school friend about her encounters with Pinder.
Concerned, the friend contacted the girl’s mother, who then reported the matter to the police.
During police interviews, Pinder claimed that he had engaged in sexual activity with the first girl at least ten times, asserting that she had suggested the idea of a threesome.
He also claimed that the second girl wanted to meet him alone and insisted that he did not believe either girl was under 18 at the time.
Prosecutor Paul Cleasby stated that Pinder’s activities were uncovered after the second girl’s disclosure, which led to a police investigation.
Pinder was arrested in Southampton last November, where he was found giving a prepared statement to officers.
In his statement, he admitted to having sex with the first girl multiple times and claimed that she initiated their contact.
He also maintained that he was unaware of their underage status, despite the evidence to the contrary.
During the trial, Pinder’s boastful remarks about his social media following were highlighted, with Mr.
Cleasby noting that he had more than 40,000 followers on TikTok.
Earlier this month, Pinder pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
A provisional trial date has been set for later this year.
Victim impact statements were read aloud during the sentencing hearing, revealing the profound psychological and physical harm inflicted on both girls.
One of the victims has since engaged in self-harm, illustrating the lasting trauma caused by Pinder’s actions.
In mitigation, Robert Mochrie, representing Pinder, read a letter from his client expressing remorse and apologizing to the victims and their families.
Pinder acknowledged his wrongdoing and expressed bitter regret for his conduct.
Mr.
Mochrie emphasized that Pinder was still a young man and urged the court to consider the case as a warning about the dangers of social media, where individuals often seek fame or notoriety at the expense of others’ safety.
However, in sentencing, Mr.
Justice Lavender was clear about the severity of Pinder’s crimes, imposing a six-year prison sentence.
The judge also ordered Pinder to be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and to register as a sex offender until further notice.
Additionally, restraining orders were issued to prevent him from contacting or approaching either of the victims, both of whom remain protected from further harm.
