Mark De La Mare 63

Description

A 63-year-old man has been jailed for sexually assaulting a vulnerable teenage girl in her home, leaving her with "severe" psychological harm and prompting her to attempt suicide.

Mark De La Mare, of Cae Dafydd, Meifod, was sentenced to 27 months in prison at Mold Crown Court on December 17 after a jury convicted him in November.

Judge Rhys Rowlands told De La Mare he had "succumbed to your base instincts," shown "no remorse whatsoever," denied any sexual attraction to children, and had "no insight whatsoever" to the harm caused to the victim and her family.

In a statement read in court, the victim—who has lifelong anonymity—described self-harming, becoming depressed and withdrawn, suffering severe panic attacks and flashbacks, and losing "the will to live." She added: "What happened will always be with me, but I refuse to let it control or haunt me."

The victim's mother delivered a heartfelt statement, calling her daughter "a shell of her former self" struggling "in a dark place." She recalled holding her hand in the hospital after the suicide attempt: "Seeing her smile reminds me how close I was to losing her." After counseling brought "some normality," she said she was "so incredibly proud" of her daughter, who had spent years "trying to survive." The assault "has completely changed the direction of her life," she added. "It's had a lasting effect on my daughter, and it's changed my view of the world, how I parent and those I love."

Judge Rowlands criticized character letters supporting De La Mare, including from a headteacher "fully aware of the assault," saying those involved had "unwisely got involved with this."

Defense barrister Mr. Connor described the offense as "entirely out of character" and said De La Mare "maintains his innocence" but has a "realistic prospect of rehabilitation" and is "willing to seek the intervention that is required." He noted incarceration would impact De La Mare's family.

The judge highlighted De La Mare's "complete lack of insight, complete lack of contrition or remorse," and "plain and rank hypocrisy" for accusing the victim and her mother of "getting their heads together to lie about you." He added: "They didn't lie, you did and you continue to lie to those closest to you."

While acknowledging De La Mare's prior good character, supportive family, and letters from vicars, ministers, colleagues, and community members showing "a very different side to you," the judge said: "I don't ignore the effect on your wife, but I am of the view that it is not possible to suspend the sentence in your case."

De La Mare must register as a sex offender for 10 years, adhere to a 10-year restraining order, and is indefinitely barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.