MARK HOLNESS FROM HORNSEY SENTENCED FOR RAPE AT FINSBURY PARK POP FESTIVAL

On November 2, 1992, Mark Holness, a man residing on Mountview Road in Hornsey, was sentenced to ten years in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offenses against a young girl. The incident took place during a pop festival at Finsbury Park, where the 14-year-old girl, a student from a well-off family living abroad, was subjected to a brutal assault that has left her emotionally shattered and significantly impacted her studies.

According to court proceedings, the girl had secretly traveled from her school in Kent to London to attend the festival, driven by her passion for her favorite band, 'L7.' She queued for tickets and was approached by Holness, who introduced himself and later promised to help her meet members of the band. The girl explained that her ambition was to become a sound engineer and that her primary goal was to meet the band members and discuss music.

Holness told her that she could meet the band if she arrived early, at 6 a.m., and offered her a place to stay at his nearby flat. Initially hesitant, she agreed to stay overnight after he assured her she could return early in the morning. Upon arriving at his residence, she fell asleep in the living room but was awakened in the early hours by Holness, who asked her to cook some food. She described feeling very tired but complying with his request, and he expressed gratitude by kissing her on the cheek, which she pushed away.

Her discomfort grew when Holness insisted she remove her shoes and suggested she lie in the bedroom. She initially preferred to stay on the chair but eventually agreed to lie on the bed, feeling she had little choice. She recounted waking up again shortly after when Holness entered the room and began undressing. She was shocked to see him in boxer shorts and was told to get under the duvet and remove her socks. She refused to take her jeans off but was eventually coerced into doing so out of fear of violence.

Holness's behavior escalated as he ordered her to strip down to her underwear, and she begged him not to take her virginity. Despite her pleas, he continued to pressure her, asking personal questions and boasting about having taken the virginity of five other girls. The girl broke down in tears during her testimony, describing her fear and distress.

She managed to escape when Holness fell asleep, fleeing to Finsbury Park bus station in a distressed state. A member of the public found her and took her to the police station, where she reported the assault. The court heard that Holness had a criminal history, including convictions for indecent assault on a 13-year-old boy, indecent assault on two young girls aged seven and nine, and unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl, all committed between March 1981 and September 1983. He also had previous convictions for violence and robbery.

Judge Henry Pownall QC condemned Holness, stating, 'You found a vulnerable and desperately naive young girl, and I have no doubt you recognized the type of girl she is. You took appalling advantage of her. You threatened violence and inflicted some violence.' The judge emphasized that Holness's record demonstrated he posed a danger to younger individuals, especially given his history of sexual offenses and violent crimes.

Holness was found guilty of rape and false imprisonment for the period between June 4 and June 7 of that year but was acquitted of attempting an unnatural act. The court's verdict and sentencing reflect the severity of his crimes and the ongoing concern for the safety of vulnerable young people in the community.