Bravery of two victims helps bring sex offender to justice
Detectives have praised the bravery displayed by two victims who helped bring a sex offender to justice.
Mark Anderton, aged 32 and of Fareham, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 9 October 2026 to six years in prison for non-recent sexual offences.
It followed guilty pleas to 19 charges - four counts rape of a child and seven counts of sexual assault of a child among other sexual offences including sexual activity with a child, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and causing a child to watch a sexual act.
The charges related to a number of incidents which occurred at an address in Poole between 2004 and 2011 involving Anderton and two male victims.
The abuse was first reported to police in August 2022 and following detailed enquiries by detectives, Anderton was interviewed on two occasions in January 2023 and October 2023.
He was subsequently charged in connection with the matter, and pleaded guilty to the charges at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday 30 July 2026.
Detective Sergeant Shane Grant, of Dorset Police, said: “Mark Anderton behaved in a truly abhorrent way, and his offending has had a lasting impact on the two victims.
“I would like to thank them for the incredible bravery they have shown in coming forward to report the abuse and then continuing to provide support throughout the investigation process.
“As a result of their courage and resilience, we were able to compile evidence and ensure Anderton faced justice for his actions.
“I hope that the result of this case helps and inspires other victims of rape and sexual offences to find the strength to come forward and report matters to us. Victims can be assured that they will be fully supported by specially trained officers and that we will thoroughly investigate the offences.”
If you have been a victim of a sexual offence and you want to report directly to the police, please call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.