A 54-year-old man from Ashtead has been found guilty today (22 June 2017) of a number of recent sexual assaults on a girl under the age of 13-years-old.

Mark Stephen Cole of The Warren, Ashtead, Surrey appeared at Guildford Crown Court where he was found guilty of three counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl under 13 years. He was sentenced to an immediate term of imprisonment of four years and on release will be subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender.

The offences took place throughout 2015 in the Dorking and Ashtead areas. It transpired during the trial that he also has ties in the Hampshire area.

Commenting on the outcome DC Tony Morrey from Surrey Police said: “I hope this guilty verdict and sentence will in some way help the young girl to come to terms with what’s happened and move on with her life.

“She had the courage to report Cole’s vile offending to an adult despite the fact that he made her swear not to tell anyone and I’d like to commend her bravery in coming forward.

“I would also encourage any victim to come forward to Surrey Police and report any similar incidents by calling 101. Surrey Police treats all allegations of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, extremely seriously. Our priority is victim care and people need to feel confident that if they come forward and report an offence, we can help. We have a dedicated investigation team for such crime and the dedicated unit works to obtain best evidence.

“We also work closely with our partner agencies including the NHS with whom Surrey Police has a Sexual Assault Referral Centre.”

Advice for those affected by sexual abuse and assault can be found on the Surrey Police website at http://www.surrey.police.uk/.