MARK SYMONS PLYMOUTH RAPE CASE SHOCKS LOCAL COMMUNITY

In a harrowing case that has sent shockwaves through the city of Plymouth, a man named Mark Symons was sentenced to a decade behind bars for the heinous crime of raping a young boy he was entrusted to care for as a babysitter. The incident, which took place in December 2010, has left a lasting scar on the community and raised serious concerns about child safety and the responsibilities of those in caregiving roles.

During the proceedings at Plymouth Crown Court, Judge Paul Darlow addressed the gravity of Symons' actions, stating that the severity of the offences warranted a sentence of fifteen years. However, due to Symons' early guilty plea, the judge reduced the term to ten years. The court was told that the young victim, whose identity remains protected, had been left at home as a form of punishment after misbehaving. Symons, aged 25 and residing on Holmes Avenue in Plymouth, was tasked with looking after the boy during this period.

According to prosecutor Mary McCarthy, the incident unfolded in the afternoon when a woman, who was likely a family member or guardian, arrived at the residence and expressed her belief that the boy had been punished enough. She left the home at approximately 3:45 pm. It was during this window that Symons committed the assaults, raping the boy twice before the boy’s family returned home at around 7 pm. The young victim, after the return of his family, confided in them about the assaults, prompting immediate police involvement.

Initially, Symons denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the boy had been imagining things during the day. However, the case took a decisive turn when DNA evidence was presented in court, which directly linked Symons to the crimes. Confronted with this scientific proof, Symons admitted to the rapes, acknowledging his guilt.

Defense lawyer Simon Laws attempted to provide some context for Symons’ troubled background, describing a life marked by chaos, abuse, and violence. Symons had been placed in the care system at a young age and had been moved through approximately twenty different foster homes. Despite his turbulent history, Laws emphasized that Symons demonstrated a significant level of understanding regarding his actions, admitted his guilt, and was actively engaged in addressing the issues that led to his offending behavior. He stressed that Symons was not a predatory individual who sought out children to groom or exploit.

Judge Darlow, in delivering the sentence, acknowledged the pain inflicted on the young boy and the lasting impact of the trauma. Symons was sentenced to ten years in prison, with 150 days already served on remand deducted from the total. Additionally, he was placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order until further notice and was ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent any future harm.