BARNSTAPLE MAN ARRAN MULLEN JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES ON TEENAGE GIRLS

In March 2014, Arran Mullen, a 22-year-old man from Wimborne Terrace, Barnstaple, was sentenced to three years in prison for sexual assaults involving three teenage girls whom he claimed to be mentoring.

Mullen was convicted of assault by penetration and three counts of engaging in sexual activity with girls aged 14 during the summer and autumn of 2012. The offences included one girl he abused after a charity event, another he assaulted when she sought advice from him after school, and a third girl he had sex with following an impromptu sleepover at his home. He also groped one girl while they were sleeping together on the floor after a different party.

Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, sentencing Mullen at Exeter Crown Court, emphasized the gravity of the offences, stating, “These girls reveal in their victim impact statements how they suffered considerable distress and harm as a result of what you did and are finding it hard to cope.”

During a week-long trial in January, the teenage girls described how Mullen initially befriended them and later persuaded them to participate in various sexual activities. Mullen had full sexual intercourse with one girl at his home after convincing her to remove her clothes during a sleepover, and he groped another after a Headway charity event held at the British Legion in Barnstaple.

One of his victims was introduced to him through a local drama group, and despite studying drama in Canada at university, Mullen maintained contact through social media, even sending a Facebook message offering to share his success as an actor.

Mullen claimed he was only there to support the girls emotionally and denied any sexual misconduct. He told the court he had not been in the same room with the girls during the assaults and insisted, “I was showing compassion and empathy. I felt I could be a good role model. I felt sorry for one girl and felt she could not talk to anyone else. I felt obliged to help her.”

He added, “I tried my best to help her and keep her happy. I was afraid of what she might do. Look at what is happening now. I did not want her to feel bad. I don’t like anyone feeling bad. I am a people pleaser. I want everyone to feel happy.”