MARK PAPE CONNAH'S QUAY SEX PREDATOR SENTENCED FOR ABUSING GIRLS AT GWYNEDD AND SALTNEY

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities, Mark Pape, a 48-year-old painter and decorator from Mold Road, Connah’s Quay, has been sentenced to more than six years in prison for a series of disturbing sexual offenses involving young girls. The court heard that Pape targeted multiple victims over a span of several years, with his predatory behavior spanning different locations, including a caravan site in Gwynedd and a residence in Saltney.

At Caernarfon Crown Court, Judge Merfyn Hughes QC described Pape’s actions as exhibiting clear elements of grooming and predatory conduct. The court was informed that one of the victims was subjected to sexual abuse while she was in her bikini at a caravan park in Gwynedd. Pape, who owned a caravan at the site, had established a friendly relationship with her grandparents, which he exploited to carry out his abuse.

The prosecution, led by Kim Halsall, detailed the disturbing incidents involving the victims. She explained that several years prior, Pape, then around 30 years old, had engaged in inappropriate behavior at a house in Saltney. During that incident, he had groped and passionately kissed a young girl after consuming alcohol. The girl, who chose not to disclose the abuse immediately out of fear of her family’s reaction, later confided in her sister and eventually reported the incident to the authorities.

Further allegations revealed that in 2008, at the caravan site, Pape targeted a girl described as timid and naive. She was trying on a swimming costume when he touched her on her bottom. The same girl later went to the swimming pool, where Pape pulled her close and subjected her to further abuse. During a shower, he told her, “I will give you a kiss later,” and attempted to sexually assault her in his caravan. The girl managed to escape, but it was over a year before she disclosed the abuse to her mother. Her behavior changed significantly afterward, and she received counseling to cope with the trauma.

The third victim, also a young girl, returned to her parents’ caravan in her bikini when Pape falsely claimed she had dirt on her bottom. He then rubbed her, causing her to become frightened and cry. Her parents discovered the full extent of the abuse a week later, leading to police involvement. Pape admitted to four counts of indecent and sexual assault, as well as a fifth count of attempted sexual assault. He pleaded guilty to all charges.

During the sentencing, Pape’s defense attorney, Simon Rogers, argued that his client had spared the victims the ordeal of giving evidence in court. He highlighted that Pape was a hardworking individual with no prior convictions and that testimonials from acquaintances painted a positive picture of his character.

Following the sentencing, the elder sister of the first girl expressed relief and satisfaction with the outcome. She stated that her sister was “pleased with” the sentence and was glad that Pape would no longer pose a threat to children. The victim, who had confided in her sister and later reported the abuse, felt a sense of justice had been served, knowing that Pape would be held accountable for his actions.