MARK WAYWELL SENTENCED IN DERBY FOR DECADES-OLD SEXUAL ABUSE IN ASHBOURNE

In a case that spanned nearly three decades, a man from Derby has been convicted and sentenced for sexually abusing a young boy in Ashbourne. Mark Waywell, aged 49 and residing on Bedford Street in Derby, was brought before Derby Crown Court where he received a 12-month prison term after entering a guilty plea to charges of indecent assault.

The incident in question reportedly took place sometime between 1979 and 1980, when the victim was only five years old. The victim, who struggled for many years to process and come to terms with the trauma, finally reported the abuse to authorities in 2006. This delay in reporting underscores the long-lasting impact such abuse can have on victims, often spanning decades before they seek justice.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Dawn Pritchard emphasized the profound and lasting effects the abuse had on the victim. She stated, “What happened to the victim as a child has affected his relationships and work. It ground him down over time and made him feel worthless.” The emotional toll of the abuse was a significant part of the case, highlighting how childhood trauma can influence various aspects of an individual’s adult life.

Initially, Waywell denied the charges, maintaining his innocence. However, he changed his stance and pleaded guilty after the jury had been sworn in to begin his trial, a decision that likely spared the court the ordeal of a lengthy trial process.

Judge John Wait addressed the court, acknowledging the complexities of the case due to the passage of time. He remarked, “This is a difficult case because so much time has passed and societal attitudes have evolved since the 1970s.” The judge explained that during the era when the offence occurred, the understanding of the long-term consequences of such acts on children was less developed.

Despite the time elapsed, Judge Wait emphasized the severity of the crime, describing it as “an act of deliberate cruelty and sexual humiliation so severe that only a prison sentence could be justified.” He pointed out that although it was a single incident, its impact on the victim has been profound and enduring, affecting him throughout his life. The judge concluded by ordering Waywell to be listed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of ten years, reflecting the seriousness with which the court viewed the offence and its consequences.