Mark Cain 38

Description

A man who waged a "campaign" of rape against a primary-school-aged boy shouted abuse in court as he was sentenced to a 23-year extended term as a dangerous offender.

Judge Celia Hughes described Mark Cain's offenses as the "calculating actions of a predatory man" and deemed an extended sentence essential to protect the public.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Cain, a warehouse worker, raped the child under 13 multiple times—representing at least 22 incidents—in the Vale of Glamorgan over a prolonged period, and forced him to view pornographic materials. The abuse, unreported at the time, surfaced years later during a routine medical appointment.

Cain denied the allegations but was convicted by a jury of four counts of child rape and causing a child to watch a sexual act.

In a victim impact statement read by prosecutor Matthew Cobbe, the complainant said he had long suppressed the memories but felt people "could see through me." He described a "hole in the person" he became as an adult, feeling Cain's abuse had "taken some masculinity" away, yet he felt proud for reporting it, gaining a "healthier mindset" through the process.

Mark Anthony Cain, 38, of Morden Road, Newport, had eight prior convictions for 22 offenses, including indecent assault of a girl, sexual assault of a woman (grabbing a shop worker's breasts), and robbery.

Defense barrister Heath Edwards acknowledged a "life-changingly long" sentence was inevitable. He noted Cain's pre-trial relationship and efforts to address drink and drug issues, and despite rejecting the verdicts "categorically," Cain would engage with prison courses.

The judge said Cain had

"regularly abused and degraded [the victim] at your will." Finding him dangerous "both in the legal meaning and in the ordinary sense," she imposed the sentence amid Cain's outbursts calling the case "bullsh*t."

The 23-year term includes 20 years' custody followed by three years' license; Cain must serve two-thirds before parole consideration. He is a lifelong registered sex offender with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order restricting child access.

South Wales Police detective constable Ameila Lewis said post-sentencing: "The victim has shown immense bravery throughout. I hope that the outcome at court brings them some comfort that the offender has been brought to justice and that their bravery has helped protect the wider public from harm."