A FASHION CONSULTANT WHO MOLESTED A TEENAGER AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTED HER IN HIS CAR JAILED FOR 5 YEARS
Mark Sunshine, aged 50 and from Borehamwood, was accused of repeatedly groping a girl during her driving lessons.The defendant also committed a sexual assault after collecting her in an intoxicated state from a party.
During a hearing at St Albans crown court, prosecutor Barnaby Shaw explained that the victim, now 21, filed a police report last year regarding Sunshine's conduct.
She revealed that Sunshine engaged in inappropriate telephone conversations with her, including sending an image of a penis.
Sunshine claimed he did not send his own image but found it online.
He admitted to sending the photo after receiving a picture of the girl wearing a bra.
The prosecutor detailed that Sunshine would inappropriately touch her breasts while teaching her to drive and, on a separate occasion, stopped his car to put his hand up her dress while giving her a lift home from a party.
Last month, Sunshine, of Furzehill Road, Borehamwood, faced charges of two counts of sexual assault from late 2009 to late 2010, which he initially denied.
He also pleaded not guilty to an assault by penetration between January and March 2011.
After deliberating for over five hours, a jury convicted him on all charges, and he was remanded to Bedford prison.
Sunshine maintained he never sexually assaulted the girl and denied any consensual relationship.
His solicitor, Dee Connolly, argued that Sunshine still did not accept the allegations.
She described him as a dedicated family man supported by his wife and relatives.
She emphasised the impact of the conviction on his life, stating he lost his job, is now a broken man, and faces social stigma.
He is currently on the segregation wing at Bedford prison, suffering from depression and on medication.
Judge Stephen Warner addressed Sunshine directly, condemning his behavior, noting that he belittled the girl when she complained and ignored her wishes.
The judge highlighted his lack of remorse and accused him of viewing himself as the victim.
