MARK BIRTLES SENTENCED IN SHEFFIELD TO SIX YEARS FOR RAPE NEAR BOLTON-UPON-DEARNE

MARK BIRTLES SENTENCED IN SHEFFIELD TO SIX YEARS FOR RAPE NEAR BOLTON-UPON-DEARNE

In April of last year, Mark Birtles, 20, of Laburnum Road, Mexborough, lured his underage victim into his vehicle, then drove her to a secluded area where he proceeded to rape her.

The victim, who was under 18 at the time, went to hospital and reported the assault, leading to Birtles's arrest that same month.

Following a three-day trial at Sheffield Crown Court, which concluded last Friday, Birtles was convicted of rape and subsequently sentenced to six years in prison.

In addition, he received a one-year sentence for breaching a suspended sentence for harassment, though this will run concurrently with his primary sentence.

Detective Constable Cheryl McCorkell, who led the investigation, commented: "Birtles had offered the victim a lift one evening last April before he stopped in a remote area near Bolton-upon-Dearne and raped her." She further praised the bravery of the young woman: "She has shown immense courage in coming forward and reporting what happened and was forced to endure the trial after Birtles continued to deny his guilt, despite the substantial evidence gathered against him." Concluding her statement, Detective McCorkell said: "I'd like to thank and praise the girl for showing such strength and bravery as she gave evidence during the trial.

The conviction is a testament to that, and I hope that knowing Birtles is behind bars for the next six years helps her to move forward with her life."