March 2016

Norfolk man jailed after admitting “campaign” of abuse against girl

Mark Barker, 64, “groomed” the young victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, exposing her first to pornographic films before progressing to more serious offending.

Norwich Crown Court heard the girl, who was aged under 13, was subjected to serious sexual abuse, including rape, attempted rape and sexual assaults over a period of almost two years.

Barker, of Barford, appeared to be sentenced yesterday having previously admitted a total of 16 offences against the young victim.

Imposing an extended sentence of 12 years in prison with six years on licence, Judge Stephen Holt described Barker as posing a “significant risk of serious harm to members of the public and in particular young children”.

He said the “campaign” of abuse went on for many months against a vulnerable victim.

Andrew Shaw, prosecuting, said the victim was just eight and came to an end after a complaint was made when she was 10.

Andrew Oliver, for Barker, said he had shown “significant remorse” for what he had done which was reflected by his early guilty pleas.

Mr Oliver said his admissions represented his greatest mitigation but added he was “disgusted” with what he has done.

Barker, who will serve a minimum of eight years before he is eligible for parole, was also put on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

The other offences he committed included, causing a child to watch a sex act; engaging in sexual activity with a child; causing a child to engage in sexual activity and assault by penetration.