MARK BATE FROM CHILWELL SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND ABUSE

In April 2019, Mark Bate, a 48-year-old man from Chilwell, was sentenced to a significant prison term after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving young children. The court heard that Bate, who was known locally as 'The Candy Man' due to his habit of giving sweets to his young victims, had committed heinous acts against at least two girls, one of whom was only four years old.

During a five-day trial at Nottingham's crown court, the jury found Bate guilty of two counts of sexual assault of a child, along with additional charges related to sexual offences. The court was informed that Bate's predatory behavior extended beyond the offences for which he was convicted, as he had previously been caught in 2018 by a paedophile hunting team attempting to find a 14-year-old girl for sexual purposes. He had also sent sexually explicit messages to someone he believed was a minor, further illustrating his pattern of offending.

Judge Stuart Rafferty QC addressed Bate directly, emphasizing the danger he posed to the public, especially to vulnerable children. The judge stated, "You pose a risk of serious harm to members of the public, specifically young children, to the commission of further offences such as this. The pattern of your offending, the nature of your offending, the fact that you are in flat denial, means that I judge you are a risk."

He described Bate's victims as "very young, very vulnerable," and explained that his nickname, 'The Candy Man,' was derived from his habit of giving children confectionery to gain their trust. Bate, who resides at Gayrigg Court in Chilwell, stood silently as the judge announced his sentence, which included an eight-year period before he could apply for parole. The judge clarified that Bate could serve the full 12-year sentence if he fails to convince the Parole Board that he should be released earlier. Following his imprisonment, Bate will be subject to a four-year period on licence, during which he will be closely monitored by probation officers.

In addition to his prison sentence, the court granted a sexual harm prevention order, and Bate will remain on the sex offenders' register indefinitely. He is also prohibited from working with children under any circumstances. The prosecution, led by Gregor Purcell, successfully argued for these measures to protect the public from further harm.

Emma Hodgson, representing Bate, presented a pre-sentence report that classified him as a "low to medium risk of re-offending and the risk of serious harm." However, the judge expressed disagreement with this assessment, stating, "I am afraid I disagree with that."

It was also revealed that Bate had previously received a suspended prison sentence after internet activity suggested he was attempting to contact a 14-year-old girl for sexual purposes. The court noted that he mistakenly believed he was communicating with a minor and was encouraging her into sexual intercourse.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Natalie Stokes commented on the bravery of Bate's victims, who had been compelled to give evidence despite his denial of the allegations. She remarked, "They have all shown tremendous courage. The fact that he refused to accept his crimes and insisted on putting the victims through a trial is another example of his abusive nature."

In August 2018, Bate was caught by paedophile hunters posing as a 14-year-old girl outside his Chilwell home. When confronted, he handed over downloads of his explicit conversations with the decoy. He subsequently pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court to attempting to engage in sexual conversations with a minor and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Judge Sarah Buckingham sentenced him to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, along with mandatory rehabilitation activities, including a specific course. Bate was also ordered to adhere to a sexual harm prevention order and to remain on the sex offenders' register for five years, underscoring the ongoing concern for public safety.