MARK LEYLAND FROM PRESTOLEE SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE IN BOLTON

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Prestolee and the surrounding areas, Mark Leyland, a man with a disturbing history of abuse, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of heinous crimes involving a young girl. The incident, which took place in April 2017, was brought to light after years of silence and suffering by the victim, who was only 13 years old at the time.

According to court proceedings at Bolton Crown Court, Leyland, who was then the landlord of the Hulton Arms pub located in Over Hulton, engaged in a series of predatory behaviors towards the young girl. It was revealed that Leyland had encouraged her to watch adult films with him and had given her alcopops, a type of sweetened alcoholic beverage, in an apparent attempt to manipulate and sedate her. The abuse escalated shortly after her 13th birthday, when Leyland was residing at Seddon Lane in Prestolee.

The prosecution, led by Charlotte Crangle, detailed how Leyland told the girl that “every girl did it,” attempting to normalize his actions and diminish her sense of wrongdoing. He also reportedly told her that she should lose her virginity to him so she would be prepared for future relationships, a statement that underscores the manipulative and coercive nature of his conduct. The girl, overwhelmed and in pain, asked Leyland to stop, but he ignored her protests, continuing his assault.

The court heard that Leyland had sexual relations with the girl on multiple occasions and forced her to perform sex acts on him. The abuse remained hidden until the victim, now in her early 20s, confided in her boyfriend about her past trauma. She also sought medical help for feelings of depression and low mood, which prompted her to disclose the abuse to healthcare professionals. Her revelations brought the case to the attention of authorities.

During police interviews, Leyland admitted to having sex with the girl when she was 13, expressing remorse and acknowledging that he knew his actions were wrong at the time. The 51-year-old, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty to charges of rape and four counts of sexual activity with a child. His guilty plea spared the court a lengthy trial, but did not diminish the severity of his crimes.

Judge Timothy Clayson, the Honorary Recorder of Bolton, sentenced Leyland to 12 years in prison, emphasizing the gravity and duration of the abuse. The judge also ordered Leyland to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, prohibiting him from working with children or vulnerable adults. Additionally, Leyland was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, designed to restrict his future contact with minors and prevent further harm.

Throughout the sentencing, Leyland showed no visible emotion as he was led away, a stark reminder of the devastating impact of his actions on the victim and the community. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for ongoing support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, as they work to rebuild their lives after such traumatic experiences.