WANTAGE PARAMEDIC MARK KNIGHT SENTENCED FOR GROTESQUE SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Wantage, Mark Knight, a paramedic residing on Coulings Close in East Hendred, was sentenced to a decade behind bars following his conviction for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a teenage girl.

The incident took place in the early hours of January 11 this year, during which Knight engaged in a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse over a span of approximately three hours. The prosecuting attorney, Robin Griffiths, detailed how Knight subjected his young victim to two separate episodes of sexual assault, despite her clear protests both verbally and physically. The court heard that the girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, had not previously engaged in sexual activity before the assault and was left in a state of hysteria by the end of the ordeal.

During the hearing at Oxford Crown Court, Judge Ian Pringle was informed of the severity of Knight’s actions. The prosecution emphasized that Knight’s victim was particularly vulnerable, and her resistance was ignored as he continued his assault. Griffiths pointed out that Knight’s behavior was not only criminal but also grotesque, describing the attack as a “grotesque sexual assault.”

In his defense, Timothy Boswell highlighted that Knight’s guilty plea was a mitigating factor, sparing the victim from the trauma of giving evidence in court. Boswell also noted that Knight had been a contributing member of society and was intoxicated on the night of the offenses, which he argued should be considered during sentencing.

However, Judge Pringle was unequivocal in his condemnation. He stated that instead of feeling remorseful after the initial assault, Knight had returned and subjected the girl to further abuse. The judge described the acts as grotesque and emphasized the brutality of the repeated violations despite the victim’s protests.

As part of his sentence, Knight was ordered to be subject to a sexual offences prevention order and will be required to pay a £120 victims’ surcharge upon his release from prison. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Wantage, highlighting the importance of justice for victims of sexual violence.