MARK CURTIS FROM BARNWOOD INVOLVED IN SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST UNDER-16 GIRL IN GLOUCESTER
| Red Rose Database
Barnwood Child Sexual Abuser
In August 2016, a serious case involving a local scout leader from Gloucester came to light, highlighting disturbing allegations of grooming and sexual misconduct. Mark Andrew Curtis, aged 39 and residing on Lichfield Road in Barnwood, was involved in a legal process that revealed troubling behavior towards a teenage girl under the age of 16.
Initially, Curtis faced multiple charges, including engaging in sexual activity with the underage girl by touching her in October 2014, and attempting to persuade her to send him an indecent photograph in January 2015. These allegations painted a disturbing picture of grooming and exploitation, raising concerns about the safety of young individuals involved in community activities such as scouting.
He was scheduled to stand trial at Gloucester Crown Court, where a jury would have heard the evidence against him. However, at the last moment, Curtis changed his plea, admitting to the charge of incitement to send an indecent photo. The charge of sexual activity by touching was not pursued further, and the court proceeded solely with the incitement allegation.
The presiding judge, Judge Jamie Tabor QC, acknowledged Curtis’s decision to admit guilt on the more serious charge, noting that this spared the young victim the ordeal of giving evidence in court. The court was informed that Curtis had groomed the girl through a series of text messages, which played a significant role in the case.
Following the plea, Curtis was granted bail, with the condition that he must not contact the victim. A pre-sentence report from the probation service is to be prepared before sentencing, which is scheduled for September 5. The court emphasized the importance of protecting the victim and ensuring her safety during this process.
Judge Tabor also addressed the victim directly, expressing gratitude for her bravery in being prepared to testify if the trial had proceeded. He issued a caution to her, reminding her that anything she posts on social media is not private and should be considered carefully, given the potential consequences.
This case underscores the ongoing concerns about grooming and exploitation within community groups and highlights the importance of vigilance and safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable young people from harm.
Initially, Curtis faced multiple charges, including engaging in sexual activity with the underage girl by touching her in October 2014, and attempting to persuade her to send him an indecent photograph in January 2015. These allegations painted a disturbing picture of grooming and exploitation, raising concerns about the safety of young individuals involved in community activities such as scouting.
He was scheduled to stand trial at Gloucester Crown Court, where a jury would have heard the evidence against him. However, at the last moment, Curtis changed his plea, admitting to the charge of incitement to send an indecent photo. The charge of sexual activity by touching was not pursued further, and the court proceeded solely with the incitement allegation.
The presiding judge, Judge Jamie Tabor QC, acknowledged Curtis’s decision to admit guilt on the more serious charge, noting that this spared the young victim the ordeal of giving evidence in court. The court was informed that Curtis had groomed the girl through a series of text messages, which played a significant role in the case.
Following the plea, Curtis was granted bail, with the condition that he must not contact the victim. A pre-sentence report from the probation service is to be prepared before sentencing, which is scheduled for September 5. The court emphasized the importance of protecting the victim and ensuring her safety during this process.
Judge Tabor also addressed the victim directly, expressing gratitude for her bravery in being prepared to testify if the trial had proceeded. He issued a caution to her, reminding her that anything she posts on social media is not private and should be considered carefully, given the potential consequences.
This case underscores the ongoing concerns about grooming and exploitation within community groups and highlights the importance of vigilance and safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable young people from harm.