MARK SHELDON FROM SUTTON-IN-ASHTON JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST TEENAGE GIRL IN SUTTON-IN-ASHTON
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Sutton-in-Ashfield Rapist
In August 2012, a man from Sutton-in-Ashfield was handed a significant prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving a minor. Mark Sheldon, aged 38 and residing on Cornmill Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield, was found guilty of 11 separate counts related to the sexual abuse of a teenage girl. The verdict was delivered following a six-day trial at Nottingham Crown Court, where the court meticulously examined the evidence and testimonies presented by the prosecution and defense.
These charges stemmed from a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned over four years, beginning when the girl was only 14 years old. The court heard that Sheldon engaged in repeated acts of sexual touching and penetrative sexual activity with the girl during this period. The victim recounted how the abuse started with inappropriate touching and escalated to Sheldon taking her virginity. Medical records confirmed that she sought contraceptive advice from her general practitioner and had to take emergency contraception, indicating the severity and ongoing nature of the abuse.
Throughout the trial, the court also heard from the girl herself, along with her relatives and friends, providing a comprehensive account of the trauma she endured. Sheldon, who had no prior criminal record, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. He claimed that he felt he was being unfairly accused and described the situation as a 'stitch-up.' Sheldon expressed distress over the allegations, stating that hearing about the accusations made him feel 'sick' and that the ordeal had 'ruined' what should have been a joyful year for him, as he was engaged and his fiancée was expecting a child.
Evidence showed that Sheldon maintained frequent contact with the girl through numerous text messages and phone calls, often during school breaktimes. Despite his denials, the jury, composed of five women and seven men, found Sheldon guilty of all 11 charges by a majority verdict of 10-2. The judge, James Sampson, emphasized the gravity of the case, describing it as a clear example of abuse by an adult upon a child—highlighting manipulation, grooming, and the progression to full sexual intercourse as key elements of the misconduct.
Judge Sampson sentenced Sheldon to a total of 10 years in prison. He also ordered that Sheldon serve at least half of this sentence before being eligible for parole. Additionally, Sheldon will be registered as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions following his release from custody. The case underscores the serious nature of child sexual abuse and the judicial system's commitment to holding offenders accountable, especially in cases involving vulnerable minors in Sutton-in-Ashfield and the surrounding areas.
These charges stemmed from a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned over four years, beginning when the girl was only 14 years old. The court heard that Sheldon engaged in repeated acts of sexual touching and penetrative sexual activity with the girl during this period. The victim recounted how the abuse started with inappropriate touching and escalated to Sheldon taking her virginity. Medical records confirmed that she sought contraceptive advice from her general practitioner and had to take emergency contraception, indicating the severity and ongoing nature of the abuse.
Throughout the trial, the court also heard from the girl herself, along with her relatives and friends, providing a comprehensive account of the trauma she endured. Sheldon, who had no prior criminal record, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. He claimed that he felt he was being unfairly accused and described the situation as a 'stitch-up.' Sheldon expressed distress over the allegations, stating that hearing about the accusations made him feel 'sick' and that the ordeal had 'ruined' what should have been a joyful year for him, as he was engaged and his fiancée was expecting a child.
Evidence showed that Sheldon maintained frequent contact with the girl through numerous text messages and phone calls, often during school breaktimes. Despite his denials, the jury, composed of five women and seven men, found Sheldon guilty of all 11 charges by a majority verdict of 10-2. The judge, James Sampson, emphasized the gravity of the case, describing it as a clear example of abuse by an adult upon a child—highlighting manipulation, grooming, and the progression to full sexual intercourse as key elements of the misconduct.
Judge Sampson sentenced Sheldon to a total of 10 years in prison. He also ordered that Sheldon serve at least half of this sentence before being eligible for parole. Additionally, Sheldon will be registered as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions following his release from custody. The case underscores the serious nature of child sexual abuse and the judicial system's commitment to holding offenders accountable, especially in cases involving vulnerable minors in Sutton-in-Ashfield and the surrounding areas.