By Emily Caulkett-
A child rapist has been locked up behind bars for more than a decade. Mark Smith, 30, of Florian Avenue in Sutton, was sent to prison after admitting rape and assault by penetration involving a child.
Mark Smith(pictured)was sentenced to 13 years and 6 months’ imprisonment at Basildon Crown Court on Friday 14 July, having previously admitted rape and assault by penetration.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
Smith forced a girl to engage in a sexual act at an address in Canvey Island in 2016. The victim reported that he had threatened her and told her that it was their “little secret”.
Officers praised the courage of a woman after the man who abused her as a child was jailed.
The 30-year-old had forced a girl to engage in a sexual act at an address on Canvey Island, Essex, on 4 June 2016.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
The victim reported to us that he had threatened her to make her go through with it and told her that it was their “little secret”.
She said she felt to embarrassed and scared to tell anyone what happened and was left feeling it was her fault.
As a result of the assault, the victim experienced significant struggles with her mental health to the point that she needed professional help.
It was at that point, in August 2019, that the offences were disclosed to us.
Smith, of Florian Avenue, Sutton, was arrested following month and when initially interviewed denied remembering the incident stating he couldn’t recall if he was at the address on that day.
He was later charged with rape and assault by penetration and admitted the offences at Basildon Crown Court on 30 March last year.
He was also sentenced for a separate count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity without consent.
This offence was committed by Smith while on court bail, in January
She said she felt too embarrassed and scared to tell anyone what happened and was left feeling it was her fault. As a result of the assault, the victim experienced significant struggles with her mental health to the point that she needed professional help. Following this, in August 2019, the offences were disclosed to Essex Police.
Smith was arrested the following month and when initially interviewed denied remembering the incident stating he couldn’t recall if he was at the address on that day. He was later charged with rape and assault by penetration and admitted the offences at Basildon Crown Court on March 30 last year.
Smith was also sentenced for a separate count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity without consent. Smith must serve an extended licence period of one year as well as his prison sentence.
Speaking after sentencing, investigating officer Detective Constable Victoria Leese, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “I want to praise the courage shown by the victim in this case, who went through an awful ordeal which has had a long-lasting impact. No one should experience what she has, and she has shown incredible bravery in telling us what happened.
“Mark Smith threatened her and forced her to take part in a sexual act. His actions are despicable and I am pleased he has now been held accountable for them. I hope this result will help the victim move forward.
“I would also pay tribute to the family of the victims, whose bravery and trust in the police and throughout this process has been steadfast.”
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar