MARK JACQUES OF BURNLEY SENTENCED FOR EVIL SEXUAL ABUSE ON SCHOOLGIRLS

In a case that has shocked the community of Burnley, Mark Jacques, aged 41, was sentenced to an indefinite prison term after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against three young schoolgirls. The proceedings took place at Burnley Crown Court, where the court heard harrowing details of Jacques's campaign of abuse, which included grooming, sexual assault, and rape.

According to the court, Jacques, who resides on Rylands Street in Burnley, engaged in a calculated and manipulative pattern of abuse against the victims. One of the girls was subjected to rape after being groomed by Jacques, who also possessed a topless photograph of her on his mobile phone. The police arrested Jacques last May, following investigations prompted by complaints from the victims. Despite being questioned by law enforcement, Jacques maintained his innocence, claiming he had done nothing wrong.

Jacques had previously admitted to multiple charges, including four counts of rape, five counts of sexual assault on a child, three counts of assaulting a child by penetration, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two additional charges of sexual activity with a minor. The court heard that the abuse took place over a period leading up to the arrest, with the victims providing detailed accounts of Jacques’s misconduct.

Prosecutor John Broadley revealed that in April 2010, two of the girls reported concerns about Jacques’s inappropriate behavior. Following these complaints, all three victims were interviewed via video by police officers, during which they recounted the abuse. The first girl described how Jacques had kissed her, touched her over and under her clothing, engaged in sexual acts, and ultimately raped her. She also reported that Jacques would tell her she was special, that he loved her, and that he wanted to get her pregnant. The second victim described similar experiences, including being kissed, touched, and subjected to sexual acts by Jacques. The third girl told police that Jacques had fondled her inappropriately.

Representing Jacques, solicitor Kathryn Johnson acknowledged that her client was aware of the severity of his crimes and the substantial custodial sentence he faced. She explained that the offenses occurred while Jacques was under the influence of alcohol and cannabis, which he had been using excessively at the time. Johnson also highlighted the community’s anger over the case and revealed that Jacques had attempted to take his own life amid the fallout.

Judge Beverley Lunt delivered the sentence, describing Jacques’s actions as 'evil.' She condemned his manipulative behavior and the way he corrupted the young victims for his own perverted purposes. The judge emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, “You are a very manipulative man and you corrupted the girls for your own perverted ends.” She further warned Jacques that his sentence could mean he might never be released from prison, as he was ordered to serve a minimum of nine years, less 32 days, before the parole board could consider his potential release.

In addition to his prison sentence, Jacques was banned from working with children for life, placed on the sex offenders’ register permanently, and subjected to a lifelong sexual offences prevention order. This order explicitly prohibits him from having any contact or association with children under the age of 16, aiming to prevent any future harm and protect the community from further offenses.