MARK LORD FROM WORTHING JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN WORTHING AND LITTLEHAMPTON

In a disturbing series of criminal acts, Mark Lord, a 55-year-old man from Worthing, was convicted of multiple sexual offences that spanned over a period of several months. The incidents included a heinous attempt to assault a man while he was sleeping and the sexual abuse of a ten-year-old boy, leaving a trail of trauma and devastation among the victims.

Lord’s crimes came to light after a trial held in November, during which he was found guilty of three separate attacks that took place between September 2017 and March 2018. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of his actions, which involved targeting vulnerable individuals in Worthing and Littlehampton, both located along the southern coast of England.

One of the most alarming incidents involved a ten-year-old boy who was staying at his home after his mother, showing compassion, had offered him shelter. While the mother was asleep, Lord entered the home and proceeded to sexually assault the young boy. He touched him inappropriately and attempted to force the boy’s head towards his groin. The boy, frightened and confused, tried to prevent Lord from continuing by kicking him, in an effort to wake his mother and seek help.

Another victim, a fellow homeless individual, was also targeted while sleeping rough. Lord was found to have pulled down the man’s trousers and pants, attempting to carry out a sexual assault. The victim awoke to find Lord in the act, causing further trauma and fear.

In a third incident, a woman who had shown kindness by offering Lord a place to stay became another victim of his repeated sexual misconduct. Without her consent, Lord subjected her to multiple sexual assaults, compounding the sense of betrayal and harm.

During sentencing at Hove Crown Court, Recorder Jonathan Davies addressed Lord’s criminal history, noting that he had previously served time in prison in 2016 for a sexual attack on a man. However, this case marked his first known offense involving a child. The judge highlighted that Lord’s criminal record dates back to 1982, with a total of seven prior convictions for sex offences, illustrating a long history of dangerous sexual behavior.

Prosecutor Catherine Hirst emphasized the severity of Lord’s actions, stating that he was found guilty of these offences and that his conduct was “out of control.” The court was told that Lord attributed his behavior to alcoholism and mental health issues, but these explanations did little to mitigate his culpability.

Judge Davies described Lord as a dangerous individual who poses a high risk to public safety. He noted that Lord’s sexual misconduct during the six-month period from September 2017 to March 2018 had caused profound emotional and psychological harm to his victims. The youngest victim, a ten-year-old boy, expressed feelings of upset and distress, underscoring the lasting impact of Lord’s actions. The second victim, a fellow homeless man, reported that Lord’s conduct had drastically altered his life, while the third victim said he had lost faith and trust in life itself.

As a result of his convictions, Mark Lord was sentenced to nine years in prison. The court determined that he would serve a minimum of six years before being eligible for parole. Additionally, Lord will remain on license for three years following his release. He is also required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, ensuring ongoing restrictions and monitoring to protect the public from further harm.