Locations
Anna Sewell Way, Chichester, PO19
Description
This man began grooming and sexually exploiting a girl when he was 47, and she was just 14. Now he's behind bars.
Mark Rowley committed the offences in Brighton and around Sussex between 2022 and 2024.
The 14-year-old victim was subjected to repeated rapes by Rowley, where he would beat her if she refused to comply. He also verbally abused her, leaving her in fear of doing something that would make him angry.
Rowley made the victim believe that they were in a relationship, and he would also frequently request she took and sent him explicit photos.
In a report to police on 22 February this year, details of the abuse surfaced and an investigation was promptly launched.
Rowley was arrested on 27 February in connection with a number of sexual offences against the victim.
Mark Rowley, now 52, of Anna Sewell Way, Chichester, was charged the following morning with rape, engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl age 13 to 15, and meeting a girl under 16 years of age following grooming. He was then remanded in custody.
The case proceeded to trial on 17 August at Brighton Crown Court. On 21 August, the jury found Rowley guilty of all charges, and he was remanded back into custody ahead of his sentencing.
On Monday, 14 September at Brighton Crown Court, Rowley was sent to prison for 15 years.
The officer leading the investigation, Detective Constable Dan Bentley, said:
"In this case, Mark Rowley saw an opportunity to exploit, manipulate, and use the victim for his own sexual gratification.
"Rowley's actions have had a significant and lasting impact on the victim, who has shown immense courage throughout what has undoubtedly been an extremely difficult and distressing process.
"The victim has been supported by specialist officers throughout the investigation, and we commend her bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation at every step.
"Now Rowley has been sentenced, we hope this outcome reinforces the message that reports of sexual offending will be listened to, will be supported, and will be taken seriously."