MARK PIKE FROM BESTWOOD RECEIVES LIFE BAN AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT IN LINCOLN

In a significant legal ruling, Mark Pike, a 39-year-old resident of Bestwood, Nottingham, has been subjected to a lifetime ban from approaching any school, children’s playground, or swimming pool following his conviction for a sexual assault involving a 13-year-old boy. The court's decision underscores the severity of his actions and aims to protect the community from potential future offenses.

Judge John Machin presided over the case at Lincoln Crown Court, where Pike was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. In addition to his incarceration, the judge imposed a restraining order that prohibits Pike from coming within 400 yards of any educational institution, recreational area, or swimming facility. This measure is designed to prevent any contact with vulnerable children and to mitigate the risk of further harm.

The conviction was based on evidence presented at Nottingham Crown Court, where a jury found Pike guilty of indecently assaulting a young boy in October 2001. The court heard that Pike had befriended the boy prior to the assault, which took place during an overnight stay at Pike’s residence. Despite denying any indecent conduct, the jury was convinced of his guilt based on the evidence provided.

Furthermore, the court was informed that Pike’s criminal history includes an earlier conviction from the early 1980s for indecency with a young girl. More recently, four years prior to the current case, he served a six-month sentence for inciting a child to commit an act of gross indecency. These prior convictions contributed to the court’s assessment of Pike’s pattern of disturbing and inappropriate behavior.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Machin emphasized the seriousness of Pike’s actions, stating, “It all points to a disturbing pattern of conduct. I have no doubt at all that the offence you committed against this boy warrants a sentence of custody.”

In his defense, Pike’s lawyer, Simon Molyneux, mentioned that a psychiatrist had evaluated Pike and concluded that he posed a “medium” risk of committing further sex offenses. Nonetheless, the court’s primary concern was the safety of the community, leading to the imposition of the lifetime ban and restraining order to prevent any future harm to children in the area of Bestwood and beyond.