MARK HARPER CAUGHT IN ORTON MALBORNE UNDERCOVER OPERATION AFTER SENDING SEXUAL PHOTOS TO '14-YEAR-OLD' GIRL

In June 2020, a disturbing case unfolded involving Mark Harper, a 34-year-old man from Bodesway, Orton Malborne, Peterborough, who was ultimately convicted of engaging in sexual communication with a minor and possessing indecent images. The incident began when Harper initiated contact with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl through online chat forums. Over a span of 17 days, starting on September 20, 2018, Harper sent explicit photographs of his genitalia, asked invasive and sexually explicit questions, and expressed a desire to meet in person.

Harper’s messages revealed a disturbing pattern of grooming behavior. He offered to take the girl shopping and even suggested booking a hotel room for a meeting. Despite being reminded that the girl was only 14, Harper continued to pursue the contact, showing a blatant disregard for her age. In one message dated October 5, Harper stated he would drive from Peterborough to Durham, a journey of at least 180 miles, to meet her. He also arranged a meeting at a shop in Durham and reiterated his desire to watch her undress or get changed.

The police were alerted to the situation when the 'girl'—who was actually an adult working undercover to expose such offenses—reported the messages. Harper was arrested two days later on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child. During his arrest, electronic devices were seized from his residence, which was located in Bodesway, Orton Malborne.

In police interviews, Harper admitted to sending the messages but claimed he believed he was communicating with an adult pretending to be a minor, describing the interaction as “like a game.” He also stated he had no intention of traveling to meet the person he was chatting with. However, he confessed to sending explicit images to the 'girl,' fully aware that she could have been only 14 years old.

Further examination of the devices revealed a disturbing collection of indecent images, including three of category B and six of category C. Harper was re-arrested in February of the following year, and after initial denials, he eventually admitted responsibility for all the content found on his devices. He also admitted to taking two of the category B images himself.

Harper pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including taking indecent images of a child, engaging in sexual communication with a child, and making indecent images of a child. His sentencing took place at Peterborough Crown Court on June 26, where he was sentenced to 15 months in prison. Additionally, Harper was placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for the same duration, reflecting the serious nature of his offenses and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.