MARK ANDERSON SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON FOR RAPE IN LONDON
A man named Mark Anderson, who committed rape while the victim was experiencing a medical episode and then attempted to gaslight her by claiming she 'jumped on me,' has been sentenced to prison.Anderson, 42, of Shafton Road, Hackney, was found guilty of his crimes at Wood Green Crown Court and received an eight-year custodial sentence on Friday, April 5.
As he left the courtroom, he thanked the judge.
Following his trial in February and the jury's guilty verdict, Anderson showed a negative reaction but later apologized to the court through his barrister during mitigation.
The court heard that Anderson invited the victim to his house during the summer of 2023.
While she was sleeping, he sexually assaulted her.
The victim later recalled waking up to find herself undressed and Anderson on top of her, engaging in vaginal intercourse.
She remembered Anderson saying 'be a good girl' and 'stay still.' Judge Daniel Fugallo stated, 'It was clear to her she was not only coming around from being asleep but from [a medical episode].
The physical exhaustion, and the feeling like she had been hit by a bus, made it clear what you were doing could not be normal consensual sex.' Judge Fugallo described how Anderson later told the victim she 'wanted to have sex' and claimed she 'jumped on me.' After assembling her memories, the victim concluded she had been raped and courageously reported Anderson to the police.
During his arrest at Stoke Newington Police Station, officers found a small bag of cocaine, for which Anderson was charged and later admitted possession.
He denied the rape and assault charges.
Prosecutor Daniel Bishop emphasized that the rape was aggravated by a common assault on the victim.
The impact of Anderson's actions was profound; the victim continues to suffer from sleeplessness, nightmares, and suicidal thoughts.
She also reported receiving threats from third parties after reporting the crime.
In an impact statement, she expressed how her life has changed: 'I used to be so confident and full of life.
Now I am an empty shell.
I do not have a soul.
My relationships with other people have suffered.
He has stolen my soul and the happy person I once was.' Defense counsel Emma Hayfield described the assault as 'relatively low level' and argued that it should not be regarded as an aggravating factor.
She highlighted that Anderson, who has no prior convictions, exhibits several Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms and has a low IQ, both of which may affect his ability to empathize and understand others’ emotions.
Hayfield contended these factors were relevant to his behavior in the case.
Judge Fugallo imposed a ten-year restraining order and sentenced Anderson to eight years for rape, with an additional three months concurrent for the assault.
No separate penalty was given for the cocaine possession charge.
Summarizing the court's view, Judge Fugallo stated, '[The victim] was not conscious when you raped her, due to her being asleep and having a [medical episode].' Anderson responded with a simple 'Thank you' as he departed the dock.
He was also ordered to be registered on the sex offenders register for life.
