MAN JAILED FOR SEXUALLY ABUSING CHILDREN
A man aged 55 has received a 21-year prison sentence after being convicted of five separate child sexual offenses.Between the years 2015 and 2021, Mark Darren Mingard committed sexual abuse against two minors.
The crimes were uncovered after one of the victims confided in a friend, whose courageous disclosure triggered a sequence of events that ultimately led to Mingard’s arrest.
An investigation followed, resulting in charges against Mingard, including four counts of raping a child under the age of 13 and one count of sexually assaulting a child under 13.
After a court hearing that lasted six days, the case concluded at Northampton Crown Court on January 19, with Mingard being found guilty and subsequently sentenced on February 27.
Detective Constable Laura Beeby, the lead investigator, stated: “I am immensely proud of the children involved for their bravery in sharing their stories, which has contributed to bringing a sexual predator to justice.
While no punishment can erase what has happened, I hope this outcome offers some closure and justice to the victims and their families.
If you have experienced sexual abuse, please do not hesitate to come forward.
We believe you and will do all we can to ensure the offender is held accountable.”