MARK BALCOMBE SENTENCED IN ILFRACOMBE AND FOREST OF DEAN FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a significant case that has drawn considerable attention, Mark Balcombe, a 43-year-old man with ties to both the Forest of Dean and Ilfracombe, has been handed a four-year prison sentence following his conviction on multiple child sex offences. The court proceedings, held at Swindon Crown Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of criminal behavior that spanned several years and involved numerous illegal acts.

Balcombe, who previously resided in Soudley within the Forest of Dean, was found guilty in December of four counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16, with these offences having taken place before 2004. Additionally, he was convicted of four counts of gross indecency with a minor under 16, also committed prior to 2004. The court also established that he possessed indecent photographs of children, along with making three indecent images of minors. The evidence presented included his guilty plea to possessing a total of 86 indecent images, highlighting the extent of his criminal activities.

The offences in question occurred in the village of Staunton, located within the Forest of Dean, a detail that underscores the local impact of this case. The court's decision not only sentences Balcombe to four years behind bars but also mandates that he be subject to a sexual offences prevention order. Furthermore, he is required to sign the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions aimed at protecting the community.

Detective Constable Jon Youdan, who led the investigation, expressed his appreciation for the victim’s bravery in coming forward. He stated, “I would like to thank the victim for his courage and commitment on seeing this case to its conclusion. It is entirely down to him that we are now aware of, and able to control Balcombe who in my view is a devious and sinister paedophile. I hope that the victim, through the justice he has obtained, can now get closure and move on with his life.”

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the courage of victims in bringing offenders to justice, especially in communities like the Forest of Dean and Ilfracombe where such crimes can have a profound and lasting impact.