MARK HUMPHRYES SENTENCED IN SOUTH HAMS AND SOUTH HARROW FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the communities of South Hams and South Harrow, a man identified as Mark Humphryes has been sentenced to six years in prison for the sexual abuse of two children. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about his actions, which spanned over several years and involved two victims who were strangers to each other.

Humphryes, aged 59 and a practicing Christian, was married and resided on Tregenna Avenue in South Harrow, London. Despite his outward appearance as a devout individual, he engaged in heinous acts that have left lasting scars on his victims. The court heard that he exploited opportunities to abuse the children when they were alone, with one incident occurring at a house party in South Hams last year, where he pretended to assist a young boy to the toilet before touching him. This particular incident was only one of several that came to light during the trial.

The second victim, a girl, was subjected to repeated abuse over a period of five years. Her ordeal included inappropriate touching in a swimming pool, among other incidents. The girl, who testified in court, expressed that she remains deeply affected by what happened, describing herself as still “scarred” and suffering from flashbacks even six years after the abuse. Her testimony underscored the profound and lasting impact of Humphryes’ actions on her mental health and well-being.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, including DNA evidence linking him to the boy’s injuries, Humphryes denied all allegations. He even forced the young boy to give evidence against him in court, which added to the distress of the proceedings. The police acted swiftly after the last incident in South Hams last summer, leading to Humphryes’ arrest and subsequent charges.

During the trial, the court was informed that Humphryes had admitted to four counts of sexual assault of a child, with one count involving multiple incidents. He also pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the boy in August 2020. The first day of his trial saw him entering these pleas, which confirmed his guilt in the eyes of the law.

Judge William Mousley delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the severe impact of Humphryes’ crimes. He stated, “You said he wanted to go to the toilet and that he needed help. You said ‘hand on heart’ that you had not done anything.” The judge highlighted that the victims would carry the emotional scars for the rest of their lives, with the girl’s childhood memories forever tainted by the abuse. The judge also noted the concerns of the boy’s parents regarding the long-term effects of the trauma.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Mousley described Humphryes as a dangerous offender, ruling that he should only be considered for parole after serving four years, rather than the usual halfway point. The court acknowledged Humphryes’ long marriage and his active Christian faith, but these factors did not mitigate the severity of his crimes.

As a result of his convictions, Humphryes was sentenced to six years in prison. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of his offenses and the lasting damage inflicted upon his victims, leaving a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and holding offenders accountable.