Man jailed for historic child sexual offences

A 62-year-old man from Red Lodge has been jailed after pleading guilty to a number of sexual offences against a boy.

Mark Bye (pictured above) previously of Acorn Way, appeared before Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday, March 11, where he was sentenced to seven years and four months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to 13 sexual abuse offences.

He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Bye pleaded guilty to 13 offences as follows:

• Buggery with a boy under 16 years of age;
• Attempted buggery with a boy under 16 years of age;
• Eight counts of indecent assault of a child; and
• Three counts of indecency with a child.

The offences were all against one victim and took place over a four-year period.

In a personal statement read in court the victim spoke how the sexual abuse affected his life.

He said: “The sexual abuse has impacted my life in so many ways, especially my relationships with loved ones and immediate family.

“Until now I have never told anyone! I have always felt ashamed, disgusted and mostly afraid to speak of it. It has impacted my life in so many ways. The painful memories are extreme.

“I honestly believe he [Mark Bye] is a danger to all children and young people.”

Detective Constable George Bullent, who was the investigating officer on the case, said: “The crimes committed by Bye against a young victim were truly awful.

“I want to commend the victim in this case for his bravery in coming forward and working with us throughout the investigative process. I hope that his bravery in coming forward gives others the confidence to do the same.

“I also hope that this case demonstrates that despite the amount of time that has passed, we can still prosecute and secure convictions for perpetrators of serious sexual assault.

“We are pleased with the sentence that has been given and this reflects the severity of the crimes committed.

“However, whilst this sentence will provide the victim with some closure, understandably, what Bye did to him will have impacted him tremendously.”