Man jailed for historic sex abuse against teenage boys

Mark Edward North (DOB 25/06/1965), of Rodney Street, Manchester, has been jailed for 7 years for historic sex abuse against two teenage boys.

North was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court today (4 February) after being found guilty at trial to nine counts of indecent assault on a male under 16.

The charges relate to incidents which took place between 1996 and 1998.

The first victim, a boy aged 14 at the time, met North - who was in his 30s - while playing truant from school in Manchester City Centre.

North invited the boy back to his flat in the city where he encouraged him to perform sex acts in return for cigarettes and CDs, the court heard.

This continued on multiple occasions over the next 12 months.

The second victim was around 14 or 15 when he met North for the first time. In a similar occurrence as the first victim, he met the defendant while playing truant from school and was subsequently invited to his flat where North performed sex acts on the boy in exchange for cigarettes.

The court heard how the victim submitted to the abuse by North over a two year period because he felt guilty that the defendant gave him cigarettes and beer.

The case was reported to police in March 2019 and North was later invited in for questioning where he denied any wrongdoing.

During the trial, which began on 25 October and lasted 17 days, North was found not guilty to two counts of raping a male under 16 and two counts of indecent assault.

Detective Constable Annabel Lewis, of GMP Manchester's Criminal Investigation Division, said: "North repeatedly manipulated and exploited the vulnerability of these young men to satisfy his own sexual desires.

"It took a long time for both Victims to find the courage to report these matters to the Police and while justice may have been served, it does not diminish the devastating impact this abuse has had and continues to have on these men.  I cannot commend them enough for their bravery and strength during what has been a complex and lengthy investigation.

"Any kind of sexual abuse - no matter how long ago - is unacceptable. Anyone who engages in this criminal behaviour will be brought to justice to face the consequences for their actions.

"I urge anyone who is a survivor of sexual abuse to please get in contact with the police so that we can make sure those reports are investigated with a view to bring the offenders to justice."

Anyone affected by this case should contact police online, if able, via www.gmp.police.uk , or call 101. Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

 

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

 

• Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
• Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182