Mark Reap

Mark Reap, a 45-year-old man from Ilkeston, Derbyshire, has been sentenced to 24 years and six months in prison for a series of sexual offences committed against two teenage girls over a six-year period. The abuses took place in Nottingham between 2012 and 2018, during which Reap targeted the vulnerable girls, subjecting them to repeated rape and sexual abuse.

According to Nottinghamshire Police, Reap employed manipulative tactics to control his victims, instructing them to remain silent about the offences and using gifts to buy their compliance. The case came to light when one of the victims disclosed the abuse to a teacher, prompting an investigation that uncovered substantial evidence against Reap.

Reap initially denied the allegations, accusing the victims of fabricating the claims. However, DNA evidence directly linked him to the crimes, leading him to change his plea to guilty at the start of his trial on 2 August. He faced charges including five counts of rape and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity at Nottingham Crown Court.

• Offences spanned 2012 to 2018 in Nottingham.
• Reap targeted two teenage girls.
• Abuses included repeated rape and sexual activity incitement.
• Case exposed via victim's disclosure to a teacher.
• DNA evidence corroborated the victims' accounts.

Detective Inspector Craig Hall of Nottinghamshire Police described Reap as a 'manipulative sex offender' who inflicted 'considerable physical and emotional pain' on the girls. Hall emphasised that Reap's refusal to accept responsibility initially caused additional distress to the victims, but the lengthy custodial sentence reflects the severity of his actions. In addition to his prison term, Reap was placed on the sex offenders register for life and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order.

The sentencing occurred on Friday at Nottingham Crown Court, marking the end of a protracted legal process that began with the victims' courageous reports. Nottinghamshire Police highlighted the importance of such disclosures in bringing perpetrators to justice, underscoring the ongoing support needed for survivors of sexual abuse.