Mark Hawkes

A 39-year-old man named Mark Hawkes, who had no fixed abode, has been jailed following a guilty verdict for historic sexual offences against a child in the Neath area of South Wales.

The offences, which involved one count of rape and two counts of assault of a boy under 13 by touching, were carried out in the victim's home. Hawkes targeted the same young victim in these attacks, which were described as historic, indicating they occurred some time in the past.

This week, Hawkes was found guilty at trial. Today, he was sentenced to sixteen years' imprisonment at court. In addition to the custodial sentence, he received a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim.

Protecting Vulnerable People Investigator Amy Cooney from South Wales Police commended the victim's courage, stating: 'I would like to thank the victim in this case for coming forward and for being courageous and dignified throughout the process of this lengthy investigation. Because of him, we have been able to convict a man who is clearly a significant threat to children.' She further noted that Hawkes showed no remorse during the trial and highlighted the victim's motivation to seek closure from the abuse.

The case was investigated by South Wales Police, who emphasised their commitment to supporting survivors of sexual abuse. The conviction underscores the force's efforts in protecting vulnerable individuals in the community.