MARK SHIRLEY FROM MARSTON JAILED FOR SEX WITH UNDERAGE TEENAGER IN OXFORDSHIRE

In April 2017, a disturbing case unfolded involving Mark Shirley, a man from Marston, who was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a teenage girl in care, who was under the age of 16. The incident took place in the vicinity of Marston, a location known for its quiet residential streets and green spaces, which unfortunately became the setting for this troubling event.

Shirley, who was 21 years old at the time, had enticed a vulnerable 15-year-old girl living in an Oxfordshire care home to perform sexual acts in a local park. The girl, whose identity is protected by legal restrictions, felt betrayed and angry after Shirley abandoned her in the park following their encounter. He left her feeling 'angry and used' after they had sex, and then went on to attend an ultrasound scan for his unborn child, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the girl’s feelings and well-being.

It was revealed during the court proceedings that Shirley had been communicating with the teenager via Facebook Messenger, despite being explicitly forbidden from making contact with her. This online interaction was a key factor in the investigation, which uncovered the extent of Shirley’s inappropriate communication and actions. The girl, who was in care and unable to be named publicly, expressed fears that she might have become pregnant as a result of their encounter.

At Oxford Crown Court, Judge Maria Lamb delivered a stern sentence, condemning Shirley for his blatant knowledge that the girl was underage. The judge dismissed Shirley’s claims of being in love with the teenager, noting that he was already involved with the mother of his unborn child. She emphasized that Shirley’s actions were knowingly illegal and morally wrong.

Shirley was sentenced to two years in prison and was also subjected to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. This order prohibits him from having any contact with girls under the age of 16 and restricts his use of social media platforms, aiming to prevent any future offenses.

The case first came to light when the teenager disclosed to staff at her care home that she had engaged in sexual activity with Shirley in August of the previous year. However, the police investigation was initially halted after the girl expressed her unwillingness to support prosecution, which complicated the case. Shirley was subsequently released on bail and instructed not to contact the girl.

Further investigations revealed that Shirley was arrested again three months later after care home staff discovered that he and the girl had been communicating online and had engaged in sexual activity once more. The girl later explained that she had initiated contact after an argument with her ex-partner on Halloween, asking to meet Shirley the following day. Shirley responded with a provocative message, “why not now?”, and they met in the early hours of the morning. During this meeting, Shirley kissed her and engaged in sexual activity. He then left abruptly, citing an ultrasound appointment later that morning, and blocked her from further contact.

Defence lawyer Gordana Turudija-Austin argued that Shirley, who had no prior convictions, did not groom the girl intentionally. She claimed that Shirley believed the girl was 17 and that their meeting was unplanned, occurring by chance in a field. The lawyer also highlighted Shirley’s struggles with dyslexia and aphasia, and noted that he had been addicted to drugs but had ceased using them upon being remanded into custody.

Shirley, who appeared via video link from HMP Bullingdon, admitted to causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity on October 31 and November 1 of the previous year. As part of his sentence, he will be required to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years and pay a victim surcharge, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring and support to prevent future offenses.