MARK COLE FROM CO DOWN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN WARRENPOINT AND NEWRY

In April 2016, a disturbing case unfolded involving Mark Gerard Cole, a man with ties to Co Down, who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl. The incident took place over several years, with Cole exploiting the vulnerability of a girl aged between four and seven years old, during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Mark Cole, aged 60 at the time of sentencing, was sentenced to serve two years in prison. Additionally, he was placed on probation for a further three years, under strict conditions. The sentencing was delivered by Newry Crown Court Judge Kevin Finnegan QC, who expressed hope that the conclusion of the case would bring some degree of closure to the victim, who was now in her twenties.

During an earlier hearing, Cole, originally from Thomas Street in Warrenpoint, but whose current address was listed as c/o Magilligan prison, pleaded guilty to ten counts of indecent assault. These charges related to his victim, with the abuse occurring between July 1997 and July 2001. The court heard that during this period, the girl was between four and seven years old, highlighting the grave nature of the offenses.

Prosecutor Fiona O’Kane recounted how the victim, after years of suffering in silence, found the strength to come forward in December 2014. Her decision was influenced by media reports revealing that Cole had previously been jailed for abusing three other young girls. This revelation prompted her to seek justice for her own suffering.

Prior to this case, Cole had been handed a five-year custody probation order in the previous year, which included two years in jail and three years on probation. This earlier sentence stemmed from his guilty plea to 19 counts of indecent assault committed between May 30, 1990, and June 30, 1999. Cole, who served as a caretaker at St Mark’s High School in Warrenpoint, admitted to offenses involving multiple victims—fifteen counts related to one girl, three counts to another, and a single charge concerning a third victim.

During the court proceedings, Mrs. O’Kane emphasized that while the earlier case was serious, the current offenses were considered less grave, though still profoundly damaging. When Cole was arrested following the victim’s disclosure, he cooperated with police, confessing to the crimes during interviews and pleading guilty at his initial court appearance.

The prosecution highlighted that although Cole was assessed as a medium risk of reoffending and not classified as dangerous, the harm inflicted on his victim was significant. The breach of trust involved in these offenses was also a critical factor in the sentencing decision.

Defense lawyer Kevin Magill argued that Cole had shown genuine remorse and empathy for his victim. He also pointed out the importance of the “totality principle,” suggesting that the current sentence should be considered in conjunction with Cole’s previous convictions. Magill acknowledged that a heavier sentence might have been justified if the cases had been considered separately but emphasized that Cole’s goal was to comply with all legal requirements and work towards rebuilding his life.

In addition to his prison sentence, Cole was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for the same duration, underscoring the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.