Army

Soldier Jailed For Raping Child At Army Base

Former Soldier Mark Kelly Sentenced To 19 Years In Jail

A former soldier has been jailed for 19 years after being convicted of repeatedly raping a six-year-old child at an Army base.

Mark Kelly, who served for 13 years in the 10th Signal Regiment, was based at what is now MOD Lyneham at the time of the abuse.

At his first trial last year the jury failed to reach verdicts on two counts of rape and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

In a retrial at Swindon Crown Court, which ended last week, Kelly was convicted on all four charges.

The court had heard how the then soldier had enticed the young girl with sweets and threatened her with being taken from her family if she told anyone about the abuse.

After sentencing, Detective Constable Tanya Jarvis said: "Kelly has received a fitting sentence for his despicable crimes. This man preyed on a young child and made that victim believe there would be serious consequences if they spoke of the abuse."

"But despite his threats, that young girl had the immense strength and courage to tell her mother and, in turn, came forward to help put this predator behind bars. I would like to thank her, for her bravery, and also her family for their help and the strength they have shown throughout this case."

"I hope this sentence will give them some peace of mind and, as difficult as this might be, give them the opportunity to move on from this point."

Judge Tim Mousley QC also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order on Mark Kelly: "You took the opportunity to abuse her in a vile and depraved way, and perverted way, that the jury has heard about."

'Nobody could fail to notice as she gave her evidence her extreme innocence and you have taken that away from her. One can only speculate how she will be affected in the future by what you did."

Wiltshire Police encourage all victims of abuse to report it; if not to the police, tell a trusted friend, member of the family, teacher or GP. Or contact the Swindon Assault Referral Centre (SARC) on their 24 hour helpline 0808 168 0024. This centre is available to support victims across Wiltshire.