Locations
Bolton, Greater Manchester
Description
An investigation from our Child Protection Investigation Unit has ensured a 61-year-old man remains behind bars for sexual offences against two underage girls.
Mark Edmonds ((11/08/1965) from Bolton was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and he was issued with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and an indefinite restraining order, after pleading guilty to 15 charges:
- Sexual assault x8
- Possession of first gen Category B indecent images of children x3
- Possession of first gen Category C indecent images of children
- Possession of Category A indecent images of children
- Possession of Category B indecent images of children
- Possession of Category C images of indecent children
Edmonds was arrested earlier this year in February, after a survivor bravely disclosed he had been touching and taking inappropriate images of her. A further victim was later identified when she disclosed to a friend that Edmonds had been forcing her to engage in sexual activity.
After his arrest, officers seized his devices and uncovered over 3000 indecent images, some of which related to the two victims.
The mother of one of the survivors shared a powerful statement following the sentencing:
"When I heard the charges, I realised you were the predator the police uncovered and the girls reported.
"You destroyed my life. You destroyed my girls."
Another survivor said:
"Did abusing me make you feel better about yourself? I will continue to blame myself because if I spoke up maybe I could’ve stopped it from happening to the other victims.
"I hope you understand how your actions have impacted me. I was vulnerable. I was too young to understand."
Detective Constable Hannah Young from our CPIU said:
"Edmonds displayed a horrific misuse of trust, and subjected these girls to disgusting levels of abuse for years.
"The crimes he committed have had a lasting impact on two young girls, who should have been able to trust him. Instead, he exploited them for his own sick gain.
"I'd like to commend both girls and their families for their continued support and immense courage from their initial disclosures all the way through to sentencing. Their strength and determination has held Edmonds accountable for his actions.
"I understand that recognising and reporting sexual offences is incredibly difficult, but I hope this sentencing sends a clear message that we take reports of this nature very seriously, and will always support victims through the entire investigation to bring them justice.
"If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago it happened, please know that you are not alone and support is always available."