MARK PEARCE SHOCKS BILSTON AND WOLVERHAMPTON WITH SEX OFFENSES AGAINST TEENAGE GIRL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Bilston and Wolverhampton, Mark Pearce, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, has been convicted of multiple sexual assaults against a teenage girl. Pearce, aged 42, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after a jury found him guilty of abusing his position of trust and manipulating a vulnerable young girl.

Pearce, who previously served time for similar offenses, was the former boss of the MPM music studio located on Bath Street in Walsall. The studio’s reputation was once associated with notable artists such as Apache Indian and Caroline O’Shea, a former Big Brother contestant from Birmingham, according to the studio’s website. However, beneath this veneer of success, Pearce exploited his role to make inappropriate advances towards a girl who was only 14 or 15 years old at the time of the incidents.

The court heard that the offenses took place approximately twelve years ago, with the girl finally coming forward to police out of concern for other potential victims. She revealed that Pearce had made sexual advances towards her either on the premises of the studio or inside his car. The girl’s mother had been paying for her to record music at the studio when the abuse occurred. Despite Pearce’s claims of being a devout man of God, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of three counts of sexual assault and one of indecency with a child.

Throughout the trial, Pearce maintained his innocence, denying all charges. He argued that he had not touched the girl and claimed that his wife was always present during their interactions at the studio. He also insisted that he did not have access to a car in 2002, the year the offenses were alleged to have taken place, and believed the girl was approximately 16 years old at the time.

Prosecutor Miss Samantha Powis highlighted the disturbing similarities between these recent allegations and Pearce’s past convictions. Pearce’s criminal history includes a 1993 conviction for five indecent assaults and a charge of gross indecency with a child, which occurred while he was working as a teacher in Wolverhampton. Additionally, he served time in 2002 for six indecent assaults, including an incident involving a sick girl he visited in hospital. Despite his previous convictions, Pearce continued to hold positions of influence, including serving as a pastor at The New Testament Church of God in Bilston, where he was still active at the time of the latest allegations.

Judge Nicholas Webb, presiding over the case, condemned Pearce as a manipulative liar who had abused his authority and position of trust. The judge emphasized that Pearce remains a high risk for further offending and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Pearce’s sentencing is scheduled for next month, and he has been granted conditional bail in the meantime, although he was warned that a prison sentence is imminent.

The victim, who has since become a Christian and married, expressed a complex mix of feelings. While she has forgiven Pearce, she felt compelled to report him to protect other children from potential harm. Her courage in coming forward has brought to light the ongoing dangers posed by individuals like Pearce, whose past and present actions continue to threaten the safety of young people in Wolverhampton and Bilston.