MARK AUSTIN FROM SALISBURY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AT SLEEPOVER IN SALISBURY
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Salisbury Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the Salisbury community, Mark Austin, a 50-year-old resident of Pembroke Road, Salisbury, was convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl during a sleepover and has subsequently been sentenced to three and a half years in prison. The incident took place in December 2015, when the young girl was visiting Austin’s home for a sleepover with one of his children.
According to court proceedings, Austin denied any involvement in the sexual attack, but the jury at Swindon Crown Court found him guilty following a trial held in April. The judge, Tim Mousley QC, sentenced Austin to serve a prison term of three and a half years and ordered him to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Mary Cowie, detailed the disturbing nature of the assault. The victim, who was only 12 at the time, recounted that she no longer trusts adults and expressed a strong dislike for being left alone. She described how, during the night, she was awakened to find Austin creeping into her room and touching her inappropriately.
Specifically, the girl reported that Austin’s actions involved groping her breast area, which caused her to feel frightened and distressed. Fortunately, she was able to escape from his grasp. The court heard that the incident had a significant and lasting impact on her mental and social well-being.
Judge Mousley emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, “On April 26, you were convicted by the jury of a sexual assault upon the girl on a day in 2015. She was aged 12 at the time. It took place when she was sleeping over at your house. It was the middle of the night. She woke up to find you touching her. Your touching went as far as her breast area and then she managed to get away from you.”
The judge also acknowledged that the act was out of character for Austin but stressed the need for a custodial sentence to reflect the gravity of the crime. In addition to his prison term, Austin was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which will restrict his liberty and prevent him from engaging in similar conduct upon his release.
This case has left a lasting impact on the Salisbury community, highlighting the importance of safeguarding children and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions.
According to court proceedings, Austin denied any involvement in the sexual attack, but the jury at Swindon Crown Court found him guilty following a trial held in April. The judge, Tim Mousley QC, sentenced Austin to serve a prison term of three and a half years and ordered him to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Mary Cowie, detailed the disturbing nature of the assault. The victim, who was only 12 at the time, recounted that she no longer trusts adults and expressed a strong dislike for being left alone. She described how, during the night, she was awakened to find Austin creeping into her room and touching her inappropriately.
Specifically, the girl reported that Austin’s actions involved groping her breast area, which caused her to feel frightened and distressed. Fortunately, she was able to escape from his grasp. The court heard that the incident had a significant and lasting impact on her mental and social well-being.
Judge Mousley emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, “On April 26, you were convicted by the jury of a sexual assault upon the girl on a day in 2015. She was aged 12 at the time. It took place when she was sleeping over at your house. It was the middle of the night. She woke up to find you touching her. Your touching went as far as her breast area and then she managed to get away from you.”
The judge also acknowledged that the act was out of character for Austin but stressed the need for a custodial sentence to reflect the gravity of the crime. In addition to his prison term, Austin was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which will restrict his liberty and prevent him from engaging in similar conduct upon his release.
This case has left a lasting impact on the Salisbury community, highlighting the importance of safeguarding children and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions.