Mark Edmonds, 61, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to 15 sexual offence charges, including eight counts of child sexual assault and possession of Category A indecent images of children
Police have uncovered 3,000 indecent images of children on the devices of a paedophile who sexually abused two underage girls over a prolonged period. Mark Edmonds, 61, has been handed a 12-year prison sentence after admitting to 15 sexual offence charges, including eight counts of sexual assault and possession of Category A indecent images of children, the most serious classification under UK criminal law.
Edmonds was apprehended in February following a courageous disclosure by one survivor that he had been touching her inappropriately and taking indecent photographs.
Another victim came forward when she confided in a friend that Edmonds had coerced her into sexual activity.
Following his arrest, Greater Manchester Police seized his devices and discovered more than 3,000 indecent images, some of which were linked to the two victims. The police stated that the man “exploited them for his own sick gain”, reports the Express.
The mother of one of the survivors issued a powerful statement after the sentencing, telling Edmonds: “You destroyed my life. You destroyed my girls.”
One survivor said: “Did abusing me make you feel better about yourself? I will continue to blame myself because if I spoke up, maybe I could’ve stopped it from happening to the other victims. I hope you understand how your actions have impacted me. I was vulnerable. I was too young to understand.”
Detective Constable Hannah Young from the Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU) stated: “Edmonds displayed a horrific misuse of trust, and subjected these girls to disgusting levels of abuse for years.
“The crimes he committed have had a lasting impact on two young girls, who should have been able to trust him. Instead, he exploited them for his own sick gain.
“I’d like to commend both girls and their families for their continued support and immense courage from their initial disclosures all the way through to sentencing. Their strength and determination has held Edmonds accountable for his actions.
“I understand that recognising and reporting sexual offences is incredibly difficult, but I hope this sentencing sends a clear message that we take reports of this nature very seriously, and will always support victims through the entire investigation to bring them justice.
“If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago it happened, please know that you are not alone and support is always available.”
The man from Bolton was handed a 12-year prison sentence and given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order. He pleaded guilty to 15 charges:
• Sexual assault x8
• Possession of first gen Category B indecent images of children x3
• Possession of first gen Category C indecent images of children
• Possession of Category A indecent images of children
• Possession of Category B indecent images of children
• Possession of Category C images of indecent children
If you have been affected by any themes in this story, you can call Rape Crisis for free 24 hours a day on 0808 500 2222. You can also visit the website to start a free online chat.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, police encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.