MARK ALLEN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN ACKWORTH AND THIRSK

In October 2018, a deeply troubling case emerged involving a victim of child sexual abuse by Mark William Allen, a man whose actions have left a lasting scar on her life. The victim, now 25 years old, recounted her harrowing experience of abuse that took place in Ackworth, West Yorkshire, and the subsequent legal proceedings that culminated in Allen’s conviction.

Mark Allen, aged 31 at the time of sentencing, was sentenced to a 12-year prison term at Leeds Crown Court for a series of sustained and heinous sexual offenses committed against the young girl. The abuse reportedly began when she was just six years old, and Allen, who was residing in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, at the time of his arrest, was found guilty after a trial that included her giving crucial evidence in court.

The victim, who was granted lifelong anonymity to protect her identity, shared her emotional account with the Express. She expressed her ongoing struggles, stating, “My life has been so badly affected that I’m not sure I can ever move on from this but at least I can rest better at night knowing he isn’t able to harm any other children.” She detailed her battles with severe anxiety disorder, depression, and PTSD-like symptoms, which have necessitated heavy medication over the years due to the trauma she endured.

She revealed that Allen was a family friend whom she met when she was only six years old. Initially, his behavior appeared overly friendly, but over time, it escalated into a pattern of coercion and abuse. She described how he showered her with gifts and compliments, gradually gaining her trust. By the time she reached 11, Allen was coercing her into sexual acts, which continued for the next three years. Throughout this period, he kept her silent, insisting he was in love with her and warning her that revealing the truth would bring him into trouble.

The victim reflected on her childhood, saying, “As a child I found it difficult to keep secrets from my family, knowing it was wrong but also wanting to protect the man that had by then become my ‘boyfriend’.” She admitted that, as a young girl, she struggled to comprehend the gravity of Allen’s actions, which she only fully understood as she grew older. It was only in 2013, when Allen was jailed for other sexual offenses, that she found the courage to disclose her own experiences to the police.

This case highlights the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of justice for victims. Allen’s conviction and sentencing serve as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect vulnerable children and to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.