MARK CREED FROM EVESHAM ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT IN COTSWOLDS

In March 2005, a serious incident involving Mark Creed, a store manager from Evesham, took place that would leave a lasting impact on a teenage girl and the local community. Creed, aged 38 and residing on Deacle Place in Evesham, was involved in an incident at a retail store located in the Cotswolds, where he worked for only three weeks before the events unfolded.

According to court reports, Creed, a married man and father of two, engaged in inappropriate conduct with a young female shop assistant. The girl, who was a teenager at the time, was subjected to unwanted physical contact and an attempted kiss following what was described as 'sexual banter' between the two. The incident occurred on June 27 of the previous year, and the girl was reportedly 'devastated' by the experience. She is now undergoing treatment for depression as a consequence of the trauma.

Prosecutor Christopher Jervis detailed the events to Gloucester Crown Court, explaining that Creed had summoned the girl to the CCTV room under the pretext of discussing her work duties for the day. Jervis emphasized that Creed was a new manager at the store, and from the outset, he had been making sexual innuendos towards female staff members. During the confrontation, Creed moved closer to the girl, placing his hands around her waist and pulling her toward him. Despite her efforts to push him away, he persisted, attempting to kiss her. He managed to press his lips against hers for a brief moment, which she clearly felt. The struggle lasted approximately two minutes before she managed to break free and ran upstairs to alert a cashier and later her mother.

When questioned by police, Creed claimed that there was a 'degree of sexual banter on both sides' and suggested that the girl had made 'suggestive actions with a bottle.' Despite his claims, the court noted that Creed had a history of good character and accepted his plea of guilty, which was based on the argument that the incident stemmed from mutual flirtation rather than outright assault.

During the trial, Paul Cook, representing the prosecution, highlighted the profound impact the incident had on the victim, noting that she had pre-existing issues which were explained to the defense. The court was told that the girl’s emotional well-being had been severely affected, and her suffering was compounded by her previous experiences.

Judge Michael de Navarro addressed Creed directly, acknowledging the tragic history of the victim but also recognizing that the incident appeared to have started as a form of flirtation. The judge stated, “The particular effect on this victim may well have been because of the previous tragic history. You were 38 and her boss. But I’m satisfied that this all started with some sexual banter and flirting. I sentence you on the basis that this was a one-off and you do not represent a danger.”

As a result, Creed was sentenced to a two-year conditional discharge and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the duration of that period. The court’s decision reflected a recognition of the complexities involved in the case, balancing the seriousness of the misconduct with considerations of Creed’s character and the circumstances surrounding the incident.