Mike Martin

An Aylesbury man, Mike Martin, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison following a 16-day trial at St Albans Crown Court for committing sexual offences against two vulnerable children in Hertfordshire.

The offences, which involved nine counts of sexual activity with a child, took place in the Dacorum area and began in 2012. At the time, Martin was 23 years old and met the two girls, who were teenagers. The court heard that Martin groomed the vulnerable teenagers, exploiting their need for help and support by building trust before abusing them sexually.

Martin, now 34, was found guilty last Thursday, 31 August 2023. In addition to the custodial sentence, he will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Vicky Draper of Hertfordshire Constabulary commented on the case, stating: 'This was a complex and protracted investigation, with both victims being supported by specialist officers from our HALO team and we commend them for their bravery in agreeing to take part in the investigation. Perpetrators like Mike Martin prey on vulnerable girls, befriending them when they need help and support and then abusing the trust they have built up with them, to take advantage of them sexually.'

The investigation was led by Hertfordshire Constabulary, highlighting their commitment to protecting children from sexual exploitation.