Mark Holden

Mark Holden, from Worthing, was found guilty at Hove Crown Court of multiple sexual offences against a woman in her 20s. The offences took place over a five-year period and came to light in August 2021 when the victim reported the abuse to Sussex Police.

Holden subjected the victim to repeated rape, using financial control and intimidation to manipulate her behaviour. He forced her to perform sex acts in exchange for money or food and compelled her to dress as a child, including wearing a nappy, for his own sexual gratification. He also forced the victim to have sex with one of his male friends.

Following the victim's report, Sussex Police officers searched Holden's property and discovered digital devices containing 55 prohibited images of children. He was subsequently charged with four counts of rape, one count of coercive and controlling behaviour, and one count of possession of prohibited images of children. Additional charges of sexual assault and sexual assault by penetration were later added.

On 22 May 2025, at Hove Crown Court, Holden was found guilty of five counts of rape, sexual assault, sexual assault by penetration, and controlling and coercive behaviour. He pleaded guilty to possession of 55 prohibited images of children. He was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at Hove Crown Court on 11 September 2025.

Detective Constable Owen Watkins of Sussex Police stated: "Mark Holden subjected the victim in this investigation to years of abuse. I know how much resolve it takes for victims to support investigations such as these through to conclusion. Thanks to her strength, a man who once tried to control so much of her life has been brought to justice and faces a significant jail sentence."