MARK MIDDLETON SENTENCED IN DUDLEY FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SCHOOLGIRL

In August 2006, a man from Dudley named Mark Middleton was sentenced to a year in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl. The court also mandated that Middleton, who is currently without a fixed address, register as a sex offender for the next ten years and prohibited him from ever working with children again.

Judge Nicholas Webb addressed Middleton directly during the sentencing, emphasizing the profound psychological and emotional harm caused to the victim. The judge expressed disappointment in Middleton’s failure to admit his wrongdoing, stating, "You did not have the courage to admit what you did." He further explained that the girl, who was compelled to testify at Middleton’s trial, faced the distressing experience of being accused of lying despite her innocence.

Middleton, aged 36 at the time, maintained his innocence, denying the charges of indecent assault. However, after a trial, the jury found him guilty. The judge highlighted that Middleton’s refusal to accept responsibility was a serious aggravating factor. As part of his sentence, Middleton was ordered to participate in a sex offenders programme while in custody, which the judge described as an opportunity for him to confront and address his issues.

In his remarks, Judge Webb acknowledged Middleton’s previous good character but condemned his actions as a very serious offence. The judge also noted Middleton’s lack of remorse and his failure to face up to his crime. Middleton’s defense attorney, Christopher O’Gorman, described the situation as a "clearly a bad state of affairs" during proceedings at Wolverhampton Crown Court.