By Grâçia Ada Obi
A monster child rapist jailed for nearly three decades will always be a danger to children, Cornwall’s most senior judge has told him. Marc Bear, 38, from Launceston was sentenced to spend 27 years behind bars after being found guilty of sexually abusing children.
The 38-year-old appeared before Truro Crown Court on Thursday, December 5 for sentencing after being found guilty by jury of 16 offences against children including 10 counts of rape, two of sexual assault, two of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two more of causing a person to engage in sexual activity.
The charges relate to incidents ranging in dates from March 2011 to December 2021 in Lincolnshire and Cornwall. The jury also found Bear not guilty of two offences of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Bear had first been due to be sentenced the day after his conviction but was released on court bail so he could put his affairs in order and prepare for a long custodial sentence. However he fled and was located the following day in Somerset.
Judge Carr told Bear it was clear he had planned to abscond, adding: “That told me everything I need to know about your character.” He also told Bear he would be a “risk to children for the rest of his life.”
As well as 27 years in prison, Bear was also given a year on extended licence, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Tim Barbery from the Public Protection Unit, who was the investigating officer in the case, said: “This was a highly disturbing case where the offender has exploited the vulnerability of young people for his own sexual gratification, and I welcome the sentence handed down by the judge.
“This has been a protracted investigation due to the nature of the offences and the strength and bravery shown by the victims in support of the police case has been crucial.
“I hope the outcome given today provides them with a small element of closure so that they can begin to move forward.”