July 2023 Child rapist rapist who forced girl to engage in a sexual act A child rapist who forced a girl to engage in a sexual act as their little secret has been jailed for more than 13 years. Mark Smith, 30, has been sentenced to 13 years and 6 months after admitting rape and assault by penetration. He must serve an extended licence period of one year. The pervert had forced a girl to engage in a sexual act at an address on Canvey  The victim reported to Essex Police that he had threatened her to make her go through with it and told her that it was their little secret. She said she felt to embarrassed and scared to tell anyone what happened and was left feeling it was her fault. As a result of the assault, the victim experienced significant struggles with her mental health to the point that she needed professional help. It was at that point that the offences were disclosed to Essex Police. Smith, of Florian Avenue, Sutton, was arrested following month and when initially interviewed denied remembering the incident stating he couldnt recall if he was at the address on that day. He was later charged with rape and assault by penetration and admitted the offences at Basildon Crown Court on March 30, 2022. He was also sentenced for a separate count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity without consent. This offence was committed by Smith while on court bail, in January 2022.