MARK WHITEHEAD OF DARWEN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN DARWEN

In October 2012, a man from Darwen named Mark Whitehead was handed a significant prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple counts of sexual abuse involving young girls in the town. The court proceedings revealed that Whitehead, aged 44 at the time, was convicted on 13 separate charges related to the sexual exploitation of three young girls, whose ages ranged from just four to thirteen years old.

Whitehead’s crimes included seven counts of indecency with a child and six counts of indecent assault. These offenses took place at various addresses within Darwen, highlighting a disturbing pattern of abuse over a period of time. During the trial at Preston Crown Court, Whitehead was also acquitted of one count of indecency with a child and another of sexual assault, following a week-long legal process that scrutinized the evidence against him.

Following the sentencing, the mother of one of the victims expressed her relief and satisfaction with the outcome. She stated, “In a way I feel like there has been a little bit of closure. Through them speaking out, justice has been done. If he had been given a shorter sentence, I don’t think it would really have encouraged anybody else to speak up, but I think this will. If it was up to me, he would have gone to prison forever. It should never have happened.”

She also emphasized the importance of her daughter’s bravery and hoped that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to other potential offenders. “I hope this encourages more victims to come forward,” she added. “If I can get one person to read this and think ‘I can stop this,’ it will all be worth it. I want to encourage people who are living this nightmare to come forward and get help. All the victims are now older, so they are free from what was happening to them, but they know that this could still be happening somewhere to other people by other offenders.”

Whitehead’s arrest took place on August 2, 2011, after which he initially denied all 15 charges brought against him. The case culminated in his conviction nearly a year later, and he was subsequently sentenced to ten years in prison. In addition to his prison term, Whitehead was issued a lifelong sex offenders’ prevention order and was permanently disqualified from working with children. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register and was required to report to Darwen Police Station twice weekly, with electronic tagging measures in place to monitor his movements.

The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Darwen, with local residents and victims’ families expressing their relief that justice has been served. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such crimes are treated and highlights the importance of victims’ bravery in coming forward to seek justice against perpetrators like Mark Whitehead.