MARK ALLEN OF DUDLEY FAILS IN APPEAL OVER SEX CRIME CONVICTIONS

In a case that has shocked the community of Dudley, Mark Allen, a 72-year-old security guard, has seen his appeal against his previous convictions for serious sexual offenses dismissed by the Criminal Appeal Court in London. Allen, who had been living a double life for over three decades, was convicted of heinous crimes involving young girls and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Allen, residing on Hillside Road in Dudley, appeared to the public as a trustworthy figure, often seen in his role as a security officer. However, beneath this facade, he engaged in a pattern of sexual abuse that spanned from the 1970s until his arrest in 2006. His victims ranged in age from as young as five to seven years old, and the crimes included rape and indecent assault.

The case against Allen was brought to light after one of his victims reported the abuse to authorities in 2006. This revelation led to a thorough investigation, which uncovered evidence of his long-standing secret life of abuse. Despite his claims of innocence, Allen was found guilty on multiple charges at Wolverhampton Crown Court in March 2009. The court's decision resulted in a 13-year prison sentence, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Allen’s legal team subsequently challenged the conviction, arguing that the trial was unfair. They contended that the jury should have been given a modified good character direction, emphasizing that Allen had no prior convictions for sex offenses, which could have influenced their judgment. The defense argued that the absence of this guidance deprived Allen of a crucial legal safeguard, potentially impacting the fairness of the trial.

However, the Court of Appeal, presided over by Lady Justice Rafferty, along with Mr. Justice Royce and Judge Simon Tonking, dismissed these claims. Lady Justice Rafferty stated that Allen’s complaints about his legal representation and the jury’s verdict were unfounded. She emphasized that the trial was conducted fairly and that the jury’s decision was sound.

In her conclusion, Lady Justice Rafferty made it clear that there was no merit to Allen’s appeal, stating, “There is nothing in this application and it is dismissed.” The case underscores the importance of justice for victims and the ongoing efforts to address and prevent such heinous crimes within the community of Dudley.