MARK TIPPETT FROM BARNSTAPLE AND ILFRACOMBE SENTENCED FOR REPEATED RAPE OF TEENAGE GIRL IN NORTH DEVON
| Red Rose Database
Barnstaple Ilfracombe Rapist
In a case that has shocked the communities of Barnstaple and Ilfracombe, Mark Tippett, aged 43, was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to a series of heinous sexual offences committed against a teenage girl from North Devon. The crimes, which spanned over a period in the early 2000s, involved multiple instances of rape and assault, leaving a lasting impact on the victim's life.
Mark Tippett, who has resided at various addresses within Barnstaple, including Boutport Street and Clayfields Villa, as well as in Ilfracombe at Highfield Road, was brought before Exeter Crown Court to face the serious charges. The court was told that Tippett had no prior criminal record, which made his actions even more disturbing given his seemingly unblemished background before these offences came to light.
Prosecutor Sean Brunton detailed the extent of Tippett’s crimes, revealing that he had repeatedly raped the young girl, who was under the age of 16 at the time. The victim described Tippett’s conduct as “repulsive,” recounting how he had pinned her down during the assaults, ignoring her screams and pleas for him to stop. The court heard that these assaults did not occur at his place of employment, as Tippett had worked at the Royal Fortescue Hotel in Barnstaple, but rather at various locations in the North Devon area.
It was also disclosed that the girl had not initially made an official complaint. Instead, she confided in a friend, and it was only in November of the previous year that she disclosed the abuse to an adult. This adult then contacted the police, prompting an investigation. Tippett was subsequently interviewed by authorities in January of this year, during which he expressed feelings of guilt and remorse. He admitted to feeling “bitterly guilty” about his actions and appeared to be almost relieved to have confessed.
During the police interview, Tippett acknowledged his struggles with alcohol over the years and revealed that he had previously been involved in a relationship with a 16-year-old girl when he was in his 20s. His remorse was evident as he stated, “I’m really, really sorry for what I’ve done. I deserve what I get. I’ve got no excuses.”
His defense lawyer, Richard Crabb, highlighted that the primary mitigation was Tippett’s immediate admission of guilt. Crabb emphasized that Tippett wanted to be sentenced promptly and that his problems with alcohol had contributed to his downfall. The lawyer also noted that Tippett had served five years in the Royal Air Force before being dismissed due to his drinking issues, leading a solitary and isolated life.
Judge Graham Cottle, presiding over the case, acknowledged the severity of the crimes, describing them as “horrendous.” He pointed out that the victim had suffered from depression as a consequence of the abuse. While her condition was beginning to improve, the judge warned that she would likely face emotional challenges in the future as memories of the assaults resurfaced.
Addressing Tippett directly, Judge Cottle remarked, “What you did, as I think you now accept, really defies belief.” The judge also ordered that Tippett be placed on the Sexual Offender Register for life and imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order to remain in effect until further notice, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm.
This case underscores the devastating impact of sexual abuse and highlights the importance of vigilance and timely intervention in protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory offenders in North Devon.
Mark Tippett, who has resided at various addresses within Barnstaple, including Boutport Street and Clayfields Villa, as well as in Ilfracombe at Highfield Road, was brought before Exeter Crown Court to face the serious charges. The court was told that Tippett had no prior criminal record, which made his actions even more disturbing given his seemingly unblemished background before these offences came to light.
Prosecutor Sean Brunton detailed the extent of Tippett’s crimes, revealing that he had repeatedly raped the young girl, who was under the age of 16 at the time. The victim described Tippett’s conduct as “repulsive,” recounting how he had pinned her down during the assaults, ignoring her screams and pleas for him to stop. The court heard that these assaults did not occur at his place of employment, as Tippett had worked at the Royal Fortescue Hotel in Barnstaple, but rather at various locations in the North Devon area.
It was also disclosed that the girl had not initially made an official complaint. Instead, she confided in a friend, and it was only in November of the previous year that she disclosed the abuse to an adult. This adult then contacted the police, prompting an investigation. Tippett was subsequently interviewed by authorities in January of this year, during which he expressed feelings of guilt and remorse. He admitted to feeling “bitterly guilty” about his actions and appeared to be almost relieved to have confessed.
During the police interview, Tippett acknowledged his struggles with alcohol over the years and revealed that he had previously been involved in a relationship with a 16-year-old girl when he was in his 20s. His remorse was evident as he stated, “I’m really, really sorry for what I’ve done. I deserve what I get. I’ve got no excuses.”
His defense lawyer, Richard Crabb, highlighted that the primary mitigation was Tippett’s immediate admission of guilt. Crabb emphasized that Tippett wanted to be sentenced promptly and that his problems with alcohol had contributed to his downfall. The lawyer also noted that Tippett had served five years in the Royal Air Force before being dismissed due to his drinking issues, leading a solitary and isolated life.
Judge Graham Cottle, presiding over the case, acknowledged the severity of the crimes, describing them as “horrendous.” He pointed out that the victim had suffered from depression as a consequence of the abuse. While her condition was beginning to improve, the judge warned that she would likely face emotional challenges in the future as memories of the assaults resurfaced.
Addressing Tippett directly, Judge Cottle remarked, “What you did, as I think you now accept, really defies belief.” The judge also ordered that Tippett be placed on the Sexual Offender Register for life and imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order to remain in effect until further notice, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm.
This case underscores the devastating impact of sexual abuse and highlights the importance of vigilance and timely intervention in protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory offenders in North Devon.