MARK BAILEY INDICTED IN ST AUSTELL FOR ILLEGAL IMAGES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the community of St Austell, police authorities uncovered a disturbing collection of over 1,500 indecent images depicting teenage girls on the computer of local resident Mark Bailey. The revelation came during a court hearing that detailed the extent of his offenses and the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

According to court records, Bailey's criminal activities came to light after his marriage ended, a consequence linked to a prior police caution he received for downloading inappropriate images of young girls. Despite this setback, Bailey continued his troubling behavior, forming a new relationship with a woman who was aware of his past issues. During weekends, he would visit her in the Falmouth area, especially when her children were with their father, indicating a pattern of ongoing contact despite his criminal record.

The turning point occurred last May when Bailey was detained on an unrelated matter. Although the case was ultimately not pursued, police officers seized the opportunity to search his residence located at Jadeana Court, Albert Road, St Austell. It was during this search that they discovered a staggering collection of more than 1,530 indecent images of teenage girls, a find that significantly compounded his legal troubles.

At Truro Crown Court on a recent Thursday, Bailey faced multiple charges. He admitted to 13 counts involving images, though these did not include the most severe categories of such material. The court heard that Bailey's actions were a clear violation of public decency and safety, prompting a stern response from the judiciary.

Judge Christopher Harvey Clark QC addressed Bailey directly, emphasizing that deriving sexual gratification from images of children is a serious abnormality that warrants public shame and condemnation. The judge also reminded Bailey of a warning issued in 2010, which explicitly prohibited him from using his internet access for viewing such material.

In sentencing, Bailey received an eight-month prison term, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to participate in 40 treatment sessions under the Internet Sexual Offenders’ Programme, a process expected to last approximately two years. The court also mandated that Bailey comply with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, register as a sex offender for the next decade, and sign the sex offenders’ register for ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and preventing further harm to the community.