MARK BARNES FROM STUBBINGTON SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS IN PORTSMOUTH AND LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT

A man identified as Mark Barnes, hailing from the Stubbington area, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after he pleaded guilty to a series of serious criminal charges involving sexual offenses. The charges include multiple counts of sexual assault, attempted rape, and indecent assault, all committed against two young girls over a span of several years, specifically between 1985 and 1993.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Barnes employed a boat in Lee-on-the-Solent as a means to carry out some of his heinous acts. This detail underscored the disturbing nature of his crimes, which involved exploiting the secluded environment of the watercraft to assault his victims. The case came to light only after one of the victims, whose identity remains protected, raised concerns that prompted further investigation.

The court heard how Barnes’s actions inflicted deep emotional and psychological trauma on the victims, leaving lasting scars that would affect them for years to come. The judge overseeing the case emphasized the severity of the offenses and the importance of a custodial sentence to serve justice and protect the community. The sentencing reflects the gravity of the crimes committed by Barnes and the ongoing need to safeguard vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior.