Felixstowe man jailed for child sex offences from over 30 years ago
Mark French has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for rape and sexually indecent assault involving two young girls
A 61-year-old man from Felixstowe has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for sexually abusing children; it took place more than 30 years ago.
Mark French, previously of Newbourne Gardens, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday 14 August where he was handed the prison term, alongside a further two years on extended license.
French was found guilty by a jury in May this year after a 13-day trial. He was convicted of two counts of child rape and 10 indecent assaults involving two young girls. The abuse took place over ten years.
Allegations were made in December 2020, with charges brough against him in May 2023. He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order to prevent him from contacting the victims.
Detective Constable Gemma Spink, who led the investigation, praised the survivors for their courage:
“No sentence can undo the trauma French caused, but his victims have shown immense bravery in speaking out and seeing this case through. I hope this outcome gives confidence to others who have suffered non-recent abuse to come forward. They will be listened to.”
Suffolk Police say child abuse is often hidden, and work closely with partners through the Suffolk Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub to ensure children are protected.