Sandy man jailed for 11 years after sexually assaulting woman six times

Mark Pearce, 52, of Abbey Grove, denied the charges of sexual assault which dated back to April 2018.

The jury heard how Pearce targeted the victim, who was known to him, on three occasions, each time ignoring her pleas to stop.

On the first occasion, Pearce met up with the victim to socialise and then sexually assaulted her, even though she pushed him away and asked him to stop.

He then assaulted her two further times before she came forward and reported the incidents to the police.

Pearce was sentenced to 11 years for four counts of sexual assault by penetration, and two years for two counts of sexual assault, to run concurrently.

Detective Constable Brendan Street, who investigated, said: “Detective Constable Kathryn Lambert, who supported the victim throughout the lengthy investigation, and I would both like to pay tribute to the victim who remained strong, resolute and determined for the duration of the case, despite the terrible ordeal she was put through.

“Pearce has denied all the charges and made the victim go through the pain of the trial. Thankfully the jury saw through his lies and found him guilty of six counts of sexual assault.

“Pearce belongs behind bars and away from our communities.”

Victims of rape and sexual assault can receive support and guidance from our force and partner agencies, including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), as well as support through the criminal investigation process.

Reports of sexual assault, even if non-recent, can be made to the police by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.