MARK WESTLEY SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR RAPE AND INDECENT ASSAULTS IN DAVENTRY AND WARWICK

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Daventry and Warwick, Mark Westley, aged 56 and residing in Long Lawford, Rugby, has been handed down a substantial prison sentence after being found guilty of heinous crimes committed during the 1990s. The offences, which involved multiple counts of rape and indecent assault against vulnerable teenage girls, took place at two charity homes in Daventry where Westley was employed as a deputy manager during that period.

The court proceedings, which lasted ten days at Northampton Crown Court, culminated on Friday, January 18, with Westley being convicted on nine charges. These charges included several counts of rape and indecent assault, all committed between 1994 and 1995 at the Post House and Move On House. These establishments provided accommodation and support for young individuals emerging from social care, starting at age 15, as well as homeless persons battling issues such as substance abuse and addiction.

The investigation into Westley's conduct was initiated in August 2016 after a woman came forward to Northamptonshire Police. She reported that during her time living at the Post House in 1994-1995, when she was 17 and 18 years old, she was subjected to repeated sexual assaults and rapes by Westley. Her account prompted further inquiries, which uncovered a second victim who also disclosed being raped by Westley during her teenage years.

Throughout the trial, Westley maintained his innocence, denying 13 charges brought against him. Despite his denial, the jury found him guilty of nine counts, including multiple rapes and indecent assaults. As a result, Westley was sentenced to five concurrent terms of 15 years each, effectively serving a total of 15 years in prison.

The court heard emotional testimonies from both victims, alongside witnesses such as fellow residents, a former manager who provided details of an internal investigation into Westley's misconduct, and counselors who supported one of the women during her recovery. The impact of Westley's actions was vividly conveyed through victim personal statements, which described a lifetime of physical and psychological trauma inflicted by his abuse.

Delivering the sentence, His Honour Judge Marcus Tregilgas-Davey emphasized the vulnerability of the victims and the betrayal of trust inherent in Westley's actions. He described the crimes as 'utterly wicked' and expressed that both women should have felt safe and protected within the care homes. The case has left a lasting scar on the community, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior.