MARK TURNER FROM OSWALDTWISTLE BRANDED A PAEDO AFTER FACEBOOK SEX SUGGESTION IN OSWALD TWISTLE

In November 2012, a disturbing incident unfolded in Oswaldtwistle involving Mark Turner, a man who became the subject of severe public condemnation following allegations of inappropriate online conduct. Turner, a 43-year-old former transport manager, found himself at the center of a criminal case after he made explicit sexual suggestions to a teenage girl via Facebook, causing widespread shock and outrage within the local community.

According to court reports, Turner, who was known to have a history of heavy alcohol consumption and was living alone in a modest one-bedroom flat in Oswaldtwistle, was experiencing a period of depression and emotional distress at the time of the incident. It was during this vulnerable state that he engaged in the inappropriate online exchange with the young girl. The court was told that Turner told the teenager, “I will get into trouble if I tell you what I want to tell you,” before explicitly stating his desire to make love to her. The girl, understandably frightened by the conversation, chose to block Turner on Facebook to end the communication.

However, Turner did not cease his attempts. He continued to contact her through text messages, expressing his desire to have sex with her “big time” and apologizing for frightening her. The teenager, feeling scared and overwhelmed, informed her mother about the messages, which led to Turner's arrest and police questioning. During the court proceedings, Turner appeared visibly emotional, fighting back tears as he faced the judge.

Despite the gravity of his actions, Turner was spared immediate imprisonment. The judge described his behavior as “disgraceful” but acknowledged his remorse and the fact that he had admitted to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Turner, who was represented by lawyer Alan Wolstenholme, pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to a 12-month community order with supervision, along with a six-month alcohol treatment program. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs of £250 and to register as a sex offender for five years.

Prosecutor Stephen Parker highlighted that during police interviews, Turner expressed feelings of embarrassment and shame, emphasizing that his actions were out of character. Mr. Wolstenholme further explained that Turner had been subjected to intense public vilification within the Oswaldtwistle community, where he was branded a ‘paedo’. Despite the social backlash, the defense noted that Turner was currently enrolled in a college course and had not been assessed by the probation service as a predator or someone likely to become one. The lawyer stressed that Turner was utterly contrite and deeply fearful of the prospect of imprisonment, underscoring his remorse and desire to make amends for his misconduct.