Paedophile’s 10 years in jail for campaign of sexual abuse on child
Police praise young victim’s ‘incredible bravery’ after multiple incidents took place over two-month period
A PAEDOPHILE from Gosport has been jailed for 10 years after carrying out a campaign of sexual abuse on a child.
Marc Ward, 29, admitted nine counts of sexual activity with a child, a single charge of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
The offences dated back to
October 2020 – with the child sexually abused on multiple occasions over a two month period before police were called at the beginning of the year.
Ward, for merly of Brewers Lane, admitted the crimes at Portsmouth Crown Court in February before being sentenced today.
Ward was also handed an extended licence period of four years on top of his 10-year incarceration.
Ward had avoided jail in 2011 when he was given a 12-month sentence suspended for two years after he was caught having a sexual relationship with a teenager.
Speaking after the sentencing, detective sergeant Claire Ratcliffe said: ‘It takes an incredible amount of bravery to report abuse to anyone, and we commend the child involved in this case for their courage throughout this police investigation.
‘No child should ever have to suffer, and we are committed to bringing to justice those who target children in this way.
‘I am pleased that Ward is now behind bars and unable to harm another child.
‘We encourage anyone who is being abused, or knows of anyone being abused, to find the confidence to come and talk to police, or a specialist charity such as the NSPCC.’
Contact police on 101 to discuss child sexual abuse or call Childline on 0800 1111.
Adults with concerns about a child can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.
We commend the child involved for their courage in this investigation. Detective Sergeant Claire Ratcliffe