MARK WARCUP SENTENCED FOR ABUSE IN LEEDS: SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCES REVEALED
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Leeds community, 45-year-old Mark Warcup from Colenso Gardens, Holbeck, has been sentenced to over four years in prison for heinous crimes involving two young boys under the age of 12.The offences, which took place in 2020, included a series of sexual assaults and exploitation that have left a lasting impact on the victims and their families.
Prosecutor Christopher Rose detailed the disturbing nature of Warcup’s actions during the trial at Leeds Crown Court.
It was revealed that Warcup showed one of the boys videos depicting men engaging in sexual acts on his mobile phone.
He also made the young victim touch his own genitals and attempted to pull down the boy’s underwear, actions that constitute serious sexual misconduct.
The second victim reported that Warcup tried to force him to touch his penis through his jeans, further illustrating the predatory behavior involved.
Due to the sensitive nature of the case and to protect the identities of the victims, additional details could not be disclosed.
Victims’ impact statements were read aloud in court, revealing the profound psychological toll the abuse has taken.
One of the boys expressed feelings of despair, stating that he often feels suicidal and explicitly expressed anger towards Warcup, saying, “It makes me want to kill him.” These statements underscore the severe emotional trauma inflicted by Warcup’s actions.
Warcup, who resided in Colenso Gardens, Holbeck, initially denied any wrongdoing despite the evidence against him.
It was only in September 2023, after a lengthy period of denial and a “ludicrous story,” that he finally admitted to engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and committing multiple counts of sexual assault involving children under 13.
He also pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children, with over 130 such images found on his phone following his arrest.
Among these were two Category A images, classified as the most serious, along with 129 Category C images.
During mitigation, Stephen Uttley highlighted that Warcup had not committed any further offences and emphasized that there were no other victims.
Uttley also revealed that Warcup had suffered an “appalling” childhood, marked by sexual and physical abuse himself.
The defendant suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has previously attempted to take his own life.
At the time of the offences, Warcup was reportedly drinking heavily, battling a gambling addiction, and had recently become involved with the church.
It was also noted that Warcup has learning difficulties, which may have impacted his behavior.
Although Warcup has no previous convictions, he did have a caution for making indecent images of children.
Judge Tom Bayliss KC addressed the court, condemning Warcup’s actions.
He stated, “It involved the sexual abuse of two very young boys.
Your attitude was to abuse them.
You had an opportunity to admit your wrongdoing, and you are not even admitting it now to the probation officer.
It was only in September 2023, three years after, that you pleaded guilty when it was listed for trial.
You came up with a ludicrous story and denied any form of wrongdoing.
It was highly-manipulative behaviour and grooming behaviour in my judgement.
You have intellectual difficulties and have a low IQ.
But you, of all people who suffered abuse, should have realised what you were doing.
You created opportunities to sexually abuse them.
It was calculated and manipulative behaviour.” As a result, Warcup was sentenced to 51 months in prison.
Additionally, he was placed on the sex offender register for life and subjected to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), ensuring ongoing restrictions and monitoring to protect the community from further harm.
The case has highlighted the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims in Leeds.
