MARK MCCARREN FROM HODDLESDEN SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ASSAULT IN DARWEN PARK

In August 2021, a disturbing incident unfolded in Darwen, where a 13-year-old girl was subjected to a brutal and heinous sexual assault in a local park. The perpetrator, Mark McCarren, who resides in Hoddlesden, was later apprehended and sentenced to serve a significant prison term for his actions.

McCarren was convicted of a serious sexual assault that took place on May 21 in Darwen, and he received a total sentence of 15 years at Preston's Sessions House. Throughout the proceedings, McCarren maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in the attack. Judge Graham Knowles QC remarked that McCarren had lied to police from the outset, providing false statements and denying any connection to the crime.

The prosecution, led by Richard Haworth, detailed the events leading up to the assault. According to the testimony, the young girl was sitting alone in a park near Marsh House Lane, listening to music, when she was approached by McCarren, who appeared intoxicated. Haworth explained that McCarren approached her, greeting her and introducing himself as Mark, claiming to have a son. He then asked if she wanted to go to his house, pointing across the field towards Blacksnape Road.

The girl responded with a false name, but McCarren's behavior quickly escalated. He began to stroke her hair, slapped her on the bottom, and then apologized. When she refused to hug him, he forcibly grabbed her by the waist, pinning her against a post. The court heard that he then began rubbing himself against her and forcibly kissing her. The assault continued as McCarren's hands were placed down her pants, leading to a sexual attack.

Despite the assault, the girl managed to break free and ran away, screaming for help. Her distress was noticed by a passing motorist, who stopped their vehicle after seeing her in distress and called emergency services. Two doctors, who were on their way home from working at a hospital, observed the girl running and were able to identify the direction McCarren had fled. They provided police with a detailed description, which matched the victim's account and was corroborated by CCTV footage.

Following a public appeal, authorities arrested Mark McCarren at his residence on Blacksnape Road, Hoddlesden. He was subsequently charged with the sexual assault. During sentencing, Judge Knowles emphasized the vulnerability of the victim, highlighting her age and the fact that she was alone in the park. The judge also noted that McCarren was heavily intoxicated, having consumed alcohol and illegal diazepam, which exacerbated his behavior but did not serve as an excuse.

The judge described the assault as appalling and remarked that it would have a lasting impact on the young girl. She had managed to record an image of McCarren on her phone without his knowledge, which proved crucial in the investigation. The court praised her resilience and the swift actions of the motorist and medical professionals who assisted her.

Judge Knowles labeled McCarren as a dangerous offender, citing his prior conviction for battery three years earlier. McCarren was sentenced to nine years in prison, with an additional six years on extended licence. He was also placed on the sex offenders register, issued a restraining order preventing contact with the victim, and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order. This order prohibits him from residing in the same household as any girl under 16 and from entering within 100 meters of any play area.

Authorities continue to support the young girl, who has been severely affected psychologically. She is currently receiving assistance from specially trained officers and is struggling with anxiety and an inability to leave her home, highlighting the profound and lasting impact of this traumatic event.