MARK MANKEE FROM CAMBORNE AND ST AGNES SENTENCED FOR LIFELONG RISK TO CHILDREN

In December 2021, a disturbing case unfolded involving Mark Mankee, a man with a deeply troubling history of sexual misconduct against young girls. Mankee, aged 43, who has lived most recently in St Agnes but was formerly a resident of Camborne, was found to have an entrenched sexual interest in young girls, a fact that the court acknowledged as a lifelong risk to children.

Over several years, Mankee committed a series of heinous sexual offenses against two young victims. His employment history includes working at a primary school in Camborne, where he exploited his position of trust to carry out his abusive acts. The court heard that Mankee engaged in multiple acts of sexual assault, which included touching the girls’ private parts, encouraging them to touch his genitals, and even masturbating in front of them. These acts inflicted profound trauma on the victims, whose lives have been irrevocably altered by his actions.

Following a trial at Truro Crown Court, Mankee was convicted on six counts of sexual assault on a child under 13, two charges of engaging in sexual acts in the presence of a child, and additional charges related to causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The court proceedings revealed the extent of his misconduct and the devastating impact on the victims and their families.

On December 23, during the sentencing hearing, two impact statements from the victims were read aloud. The first victim described her ongoing struggles, including her need to shower three times daily and her inability to tolerate physical contact, even from her own mother. Her family was so distressed by Mankee’s presence that they were forced to relocate to escape the constant reminder of his abuse. The second victim’s mother recounted how her daughter’s innocence and naivety had been stolen by Mankee’s actions. She expressed her frustration that Mankee had never admitted to his wrongdoing, which was particularly confusing for the girl, who had always been taught to tell the truth.

Further details emerged during the trial about Mankee’s breach of a sexual risk order, which had been imposed by police to restrict his contact with children. Despite this, he was caught driving children around in a limousine, an act that demonstrated a blatant disregard for the restrictions placed upon him.

Judge Simon Carr delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the severity of Mankee’s crimes. He stated, “Both children were scared to say anything and you told them not to tell anyone. They trusted you as an adult. You abused them over a significant period of time and on multiple occasions. The effect on both children and their families is catastrophic. You pose a lifelong risk to children and have an entrenched sexual interest in children, specifically young girls.”

As a result, Mankee was sentenced to 11 years in prison, with an additional three years to be served on license. He was also subjected to a 15-year sexual harm prevention order, aimed at protecting children from further harm. The case was prosecuted by Heather Hope, who highlighted how concerns from one mother about her daughter’s behavior led to the discovery of Mankee’s misconduct. The mother had noticed something unusual with her daughter and, upon questioning, learned that her child had seen Mankee naked, raising alarm bells. She contacted another woman connected to Mankee, who then questioned the girl further. The second victim revealed that Mankee had touched her inappropriately and instructed her not to tell her mother, further illustrating the predatory nature of his actions.