MARK OWEN FROM PENARTH SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR KIDNAPPING AND ABUSE NEAR CARDIFF AND BARRY

In a chilling case that shocked the local community, Mark Owen, a 32-year-old handyman from Penarth, was sentenced to life imprisonment yesterday after being convicted of kidnapping and sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy. The incident took place in the vicinity of Cardiff and Barry, with Owen orchestrating a disturbing series of events that culminated in a harrowing ordeal for the young victim.

According to court reports, Owen forcibly took the teenage boy to his residence, where he subjected him to a prolonged period of captivity lasting ten days. During this time, Owen administered alcohol to the boy, offering him both beer and vodka, which further incapacitated him and made him more vulnerable to manipulation. Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett described the situation, stating, “The boy was given alcohol to drink – he was given both beer and vodka. He said he was scared and didn’t know what was happening to him.”

Further details revealed that Owen subjected the boy to disturbing psychological abuse, forcing him to watch pornography. During these sessions, Owen also confessed to the boy that he had previously raped other children, adding a layer of predatory intent to his actions. The community and authorities launched a search for the missing boy, which ultimately led to Owen’s arrest.

It was during this search that Owen was located on a beach near Barry, where the boy had been seen. The family involved in the search heard reports of the boy’s presence on the beach and, armed with binoculars, they scoured the shoreline. By chance, they spotted Owen with the boy. When Owen attempted to flee the scene, the family members detained him until police arrived. Owen’s attempt to escape was thwarted by the vigilant family, who ensured he was held until law enforcement officers could take over.

During the court proceedings, Owen’s defense attorney, Peter Hayward, claimed that Owen had genuine feelings of affection towards the boy. He stated, “Owen tells me he had a genuine feeling of affection towards him. It is unfortunate he has an unhealthy predilection for young boys.” However, the judge, Mr. Justice David Wynn Morgan, dismissed these claims, emphasizing the manipulative nature of Owen’s actions. The judge remarked, “You took full advantage of the trust he placed in you to act out your own depraved fantasies. The court considers the seriousness of the offence is such as to justify imprisonment for life.”

Owen, who resides in Penarth near Cardiff, pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping and rape. While he was sentenced to life imprisonment, he will be eligible for parole after serving four years. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the dangers posed by predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children.