MARK HERON FROM CRAMLINGTON JAILED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ASSAULT IN NORTHUMBERLAND

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cramlington, Northumberland, Mark Heron has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of a brutal sexual assault on a teenage girl. The incident, which took place in April 2022, involved Heron taking advantage of a girl who was under the influence of alcohol and was sleeping at the time.

According to court proceedings, the victim, who was under 16 years old, had consumed alcohol to the point of intoxication and had fallen asleep. When she regained consciousness, she was horrified to discover Mark Heron on top of her, having committed a sexual assault. Heron, who was 45 years old at the time, fled the scene during his trial in what was described as a cowardly act. Despite his attempt to evade justice, a jury convicted him of the crime.

The case was heard at Newcastle Crown Court, where prosecutors detailed the severity of the assault. The victim, in a heartfelt victim impact statement, expressed the profound effect the incident has had on her life. She stated, “This has affected my confidence and I find it hard to be intimate with anyone. He has shattered the trust I used to hold in people in general. I’m scared in case I bump into him, the fear is always on my mind.”

Prosecutor Anne Richardson described the assault in detail, revealing that the victim had initially fallen asleep with her leggings on, but upon waking, she noticed her clothing had been removed, and her knickers were down to her ankles. Richardson explained that Heron, who was wearing a T-shirt but no pants, had his hand over her mouth and one hand on her waist while engaging in sexual activity with her.

She recounted that the victim saw a chair blocking the door leading to the stairs, which Heron had secured to prevent her escape. Once she realized what was happening, she told Heron “No,” but he responded with “Shhhh it’s alright.” The victim attempted to resist, trying to push Heron off and knee him, but he pushed her arm down and pressed harder on her mouth, rendering her unable to fight back.

Richardson emphasized that Heron exploited the victim’s intoxicated state, knowing she was asleep, and continued the assault even after she made it clear she did not welcome his advances. Despite her protests, Heron maintained his position on top of her, with his hand over her mouth and the door secured with a chair.

Heron, who resides on Arcot Avenue in Cramlington, has a prior conviction for indecent exposure involving a group of young females. The court sentenced him to serve at least two-thirds of his nine-year term. Additionally, he received four weeks’ imprisonment for failing to surrender after absconding during his trial. The court also ordered Heron to sign the sex offenders register for life and imposed an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim from any future contact.