Mark Bolton, 55, Jailed for 22 Years for Child Sex Offences

Mark Bolton, 55, of New Malden, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for multiple child sex offences. He was found guilty of these crimes after a trial at Kingston Crown Court on September 2nd, 2023.

The offences, which included rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and taking indecent photographs of children, were committed over a period of nine years against two girls under the age of 13. Bolton was known to the children and their families.

Police were alerted to Bolton's crimes after one of the victims confided in a school staff member. The school contacted the child's mother, who then reported the abuse to the police on December 1st, 2020. Bolton was arrested the same day.

Detective Constable Katy Waddington, who led the investigation, described the case as "distressing" and praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward. She highlighted Bolton's deceptive nature, using hidden cameras and his IT knowledge to exploit children while portraying himself as a respectable family man.

In addition to the prison sentence, Bolton was also issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.