MARK LONGMAN AND TRACEY SCARLETT SHOCK CHELMSFORD AND VANGE WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CRIMES

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Chelmsford and Vange, a man named Mark Longman has been sentenced to an indefinite prison term following his conviction for heinous child abuse and exploitation crimes. The proceedings took place at Basildon Crown Court, where the courtroom was filled to capacity with relatives and friends of the victims, all eager to hear the details of Longman’s sickening offenses.

According to court reports, Longman, aged 43 and residing on Charnwood Avenue in Chelmsford, was involved in creating a disturbing online environment where he shared footage of himself abusing young girls. He established an internet chat room where subscribers could pay a fee of five pounds to view videos depicting the abuse of minors. These videos were filmed at a property in Pitseaville Grove, Vange, which Longman used as his personal den of exploitation. The court heard that Longman would perform acts of bondage on the young girls, often after giving them alcohol, and then record these acts for distribution over the internet.

The police investigation that led to Longman’s arrest began in May 2008, when authorities raided his house. Further searches in Wickford and Chelmsford uncovered computers containing over 3,000 images of child pornography. Prosecutor Samantha Leigh described how Longman would manipulate the young victims, often “punishing” them with bondage after providing alcohol, which added a layer of cruelty to his crimes.

Defense lawyer Lauren Soertsz attempted to downplay the severity of the offenses, stating that the acts involved only touching of breasts and a few spankings. She also noted that the images recovered from Longman’s devices were classified as level one, indicating the least serious category of child pornography.

In July of the previous year, Longman pleaded guilty to multiple charges. These included making and distributing indecent images of a 13-year-old girl in 2004, as well as offenses against four other girls between October 2007 and May 2008. His admissions covered three counts of sexual assault, five counts of creating indecent images, one count of distributing such images, and possession of indecent images. Additionally, Longman admitted to possessing criminal property—specifically, £2,000 earned from distributing the illicit material—and attempting to pervert the course of justice by persuading a girl to delete incriminating images in July 2008.

Judge Michael Brooke handed down a severe sentence, imposing an indeterminate prison term that could see Longman incarcerated for life if he is deemed a continued threat to the public. The judge specified that Longman must serve a minimum of four and a half years before being eligible for parole.

Alongside Longman’s sentencing, his former partner and co-defendant, Tracey Scarlett, aged 42 and also residing in Pitseaville Grove, Vange, appeared in court to face charges of child cruelty. Scarlett admitted to one count of cruelty to a child and was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. She was also subjected to an 18-month supervision order, aimed at monitoring her behavior and ensuring compliance with court directives.

This case has highlighted the disturbing extent of child exploitation crimes in the Chelmsford and Vange areas, prompting calls for increased vigilance and preventative measures to protect vulnerable children from such predatory individuals.