ZBIGNIEW SKOPINSKI SENTENCED IN MANSFIELD FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST CHILD

In a case that has shocked the Mansfield community, 63-year-old Zbigniew Skopinski has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for a series of serious sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The crimes span nearly a decade, beginning when the victim was just seven years old, and continued until she was 15.

Skopinski, a resident of Hickling Court in Mansfield, was found guilty on ten separate charges following a comprehensive five-day trial held at Nottingham Crown Court in April. The charges included five counts of indecent assault on a child under 14, two counts of indecency with a child, one count of sexual assault on a child, and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The victim, who is now 15, testified during the trial, recounting the numerous instances of abuse she endured over nearly a decade.

The court heard that Skopinski's misconduct involved multiple occasions of inappropriate and criminal behavior towards the girl, with the abuse occurring between 1999 and 2008. The severity of the case was underscored by the fact that the victim was compelled to give evidence against him during the proceedings, a process that Judge Michael Stokes QC acknowledged as particularly traumatic.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Stokes emphasized the gravity of the offenses and the impact on the victim. He stated that Skopinski would serve half of his sentence before being eligible for release under supervision by the probation service. Additionally, the judge disqualified him from working with children and mandated that he register as a sex offender.

During the court proceedings, Skopinski’s defense attorney, Gareth Wheatman, expressed that his client still maintained his innocence regarding the allegations. The court was also informed of Skopinski’s health issues, including two heart attacks and a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes. It was revealed that he is currently held at Nottingham Prison, specifically in a wing designated for sex offenders.

Wheatman described the last three weeks and three days as “horrendous” for Skopinski, noting that he is subjected to 23 hours of confinement each day. The defense highlighted that Skopinski has already suffered a loss of everything he once had, and characterized him as a “truly broken man” given his age and health conditions. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and the need for justice for the victim, as well as the importance of public safety and protection of children from such predatory behavior.