MARK COLLINS SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS IN BLACKPOOL FOR ABUSING CHILDREN USING MONOPOLY AND OTHER GAMES
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Blackpool, Mark Collins, a 51-year-old former worker at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of multiple heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young children.The court proceedings, held at Preston Crown Court, revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned over a decade, during which Collins exploited innocent childhood games as a means to carry out his sickening acts.
Collins, who resided on Collins Avenue in the Warbreck area of Blackpool, denied all allegations of historic sexual abuse.
However, the jury found him guilty of a series of serious offenses, including six counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault, and four counts of incitement to commit gross indecency.
The victims ranged in age from as young as four years old to slightly older children, with one girl as young as four at the time of some of the assaults.
During the sentencing, Judge Andrew Jeffries QC expressed his profound concern over Collins' actions, describing him as “an offender of particular concern.” The judge sentenced Collins to 22 years in prison, with a minimum of 13 years before he becomes eligible for parole.
Additionally, Collins was given an extended one-year license period following his release.
The judge also noted Collins' health issues, including heart problems that have left him disabled and in a wheelchair, which led to a reduction of his sentence by two years.
It was disclosed during the trial that Collins had attempted to harm himself by taking an insulin overdose, a matter that was brought to the attention of prison authorities.
The court emphasized that Collins will be subject to the sex offender register for life, underscoring the severity of his crimes.
The court detailed the disturbing nature of Collins’ abuse, which included manipulating children through seemingly innocent games.
One of the most egregious examples involved Collins claiming “back debts” from a game of Monopoly to coerce a young boy into performing sexual acts.
He also abused a little girl in a Wendy house and attacked another boy after losing at a computer game.
These acts were described as calculated and predatory, with Collins using games like “Truth, Dare, Kiss Command or Promise” as tools for his sexual gratification, turning what should have been innocent fun into a means of exploitation.
The judge recounted the trauma inflicted on the victims, especially highlighting the youngest girl, who was just five years old when the abuse began.
The girl described feeling confused and uncomfortable, unable to understand what was happening to her, but knowing instinctively that it was “really wrong.” She recalled Collins telling her that her secrets should be kept, and threatening her with being taken into care and raped if she ever told anyone.
Collins also called her “frigid” when she tried to resist his advances.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Jeffries emphasized the lack of remorse shown by Collins, condemning his actions as deeply disturbing and predatory.
The court also found Collins guilty of abusing two other boys, with charges including indecent assault, attempted rape, and incitement to commit gross indecency.
The pattern of abuse was described as systematic and calculated, with Collins repeatedly targeting vulnerable children over a period of 14 years.
As a result of his convictions, Collins will spend a significant portion of his life behind bars, with the court making it clear that his actions have caused lasting harm to his victims.
The community of Blackpool, and particularly the families of the children involved, have been left shaken by the revelations of this case, which underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding for vulnerable children in the area.
