MARK DOWNS CONVICTED OF RAPE IN EAST HULL AFTER HORRIFIC ATTACK NEAR PORTOBELLO STREET
In a case that has shocked the local community of Hull, Mark Downs, a 56-year-old man residing on Portobello Street, off Holderness Road in East Hull, has been found guilty of heinous sexual offenses against a teenage girl.The conviction follows a detailed five-day trial held at Grimsby Crown Court, where the jury deliberated thoroughly before reaching a unanimous verdict.
According to court proceedings, the incidents took place in May 2018, during which Downs committed multiple acts of sexual assault by penetration and rape.
The court heard that the assault occurred after the victim had visited the Propaganda nightclub, a popular venue in Hull city centre.
The night of the attack was marked by distressing details, including the victim’s attempt to record the assault on her mobile phone.
This recording captured audio evidence of the assault, including her repeated protests and pleas for Downs to stop, which played a crucial role in the case.
The evidence presented in court painted a disturbing picture of the attack, with the victim’s recorded pleas serving as a stark reminder of the trauma she endured.
The jury, after careful consideration of all evidence, convicted Downs on all counts on Friday, February 19th, 2021.
HHJ Kelson QC, presiding over the case, sentenced Downs to a term of eight years in prison.
Additionally, the court mandated that Downs be registered on the Sex Offenders Register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
The conviction and sentencing mark a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victim and serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals in Hull and beyond.
