ZARA PHYTHIAN AND VICTOR MARKE FROM MANSFIELD AND NOTTINGHAMSHIRE JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES
In a shocking case that has sent ripples through the community of Mansfield and the surrounding Nottinghamshire area, actress Zara Phythian and her husband Victor Marke have been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous child sex offences.The case, which unfolded at Nottingham Crown Court, revealed disturbing details of grooming, abuse, and manipulation involving two young girls, one aged 13 and the other 15, over a period spanning several years.
Actress Zara Phythian, aged 37, who gained international recognition for her role in the Marvel blockbuster 'Doctor Strange' alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Her husband, Victor Marke, aged 59, was handed a significantly longer sentence of 14 years.
The court heard that Marke was the primary instigator and 'driving force' behind the abuse, with Judge Mark Watson explicitly stating this during the sentencing.
The court proceedings detailed that the couple met when Marke was her martial arts instructor, a relationship that began when Phythian was just 14 years old.
Over time, Phythian built a successful career in martial arts, working as a stuntwoman and actress, which included her notable appearance in the 2016 film 'Doctor Strange.' Despite her fame, the court revealed a dark history of grooming and abuse.
Marke, who resides on Mavis Avenue in Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire, was charged with four counts of indecently assaulting a girl between 2002 and 2003.
The couple faced a total of 14 counts of sexual activity with a minor, committed between 2005 and 2008.
Both defendants denied the allegations, but after a jury trial, they were found guilty of all charges.
Marke received a four-year sentence for abusing one girl alone, and an additional ten years for abusing the second victim alongside Phythian.
Phythian, who was tried under her married name Zara Marke and lives on Taurus Close in Mansfield, was sentenced to eight years for her involvement in the abuse of the second girl.
The first victim, who was just 13 at the time, testified that Marke's actions nearly destroyed her family, stating that what he did to her 'nearly broke my mum.' In a victim impact statement read aloud in court, she expressed her gratitude to the first woman for her bravery in reporting the abuse.
She described herself as a 'cheeky and socially awkward' girl who was an easy target for the couple’s predatory behavior.
She recounted that the abuse occurred once or twice a month from 2005, with Marke having sex with her on at least 20 occasions.
During the sentencing, as Phythian was led away to custody, she waved at the public gallery, where a woman shouted, 'I love you, Zara.' The court heard that Phythian met her future husband when she was 14 and he was 37.
Her career in film took off after she was discovered at a martial arts competition in the United States, leading to her casting in 'Doctor Strange' and other projects.
Despite her success, her dark past has now come to light.
The second victim, who was 13 when the abuse began, described how Marke and Phythian repeatedly assaulted her over a period of years.
She recounted that Marke had sex with her on at least 20 occasions and that the abuse was ongoing until she was 16.
She also revealed that Marke had made threats against her and instructed her to film some of the abuse, which she described as a 'Jekyll and Hyde' situation involving the couple.
The victim further detailed that Marke pretended to be asleep during some incidents, only to join in the abuse later.
The jury, after deliberating for two days, unanimously convicted both Phythian and Marke of all charges.
Marke was also convicted of four counts of indecent assault related to another girl he abused when she was 15.
During police interviews following their arrest in 2017, Phythian dismissed the allegations as 'bullshit' and suggested that her victim might have seen her tattoo during a changing room visit.
Marke, in his testimony, denied any attraction to young girls and claimed that the allegations were false, asserting that he had apologized to his wife for any misunderstandings.
This case has cast a long shadow over Mansfield and Nottinghamshire, highlighting the dangers of grooming and abuse even among seemingly successful and respected individuals.
The sentences handed down reflect the gravity of the crimes committed, and both defendants are expected to serve lengthy periods behind bars, with the court emphasizing the seriousness of their actions and the impact on their victims.
