Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Sexual Assaults on Teenage Girls
Mark Franklin jailed after drugging and filming assaults on four victims in Barking.
Mark Franklin, a 56-year-old resident of Westrow Drive, Barking, has been sentenced to more than 18 years in prison following his conviction for the sexual assault of four teenage girls.
The sentencing took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, where Franklin was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.
The police opened an investigation in April 2024 after a report was filed by a 15-year-old girl who stated that she had been sexually assaulted by someone known to her.
Further police inquiries revealed that Franklin had also assaulted three other girls, all aged between 15 and 16, during visits to his home from August 2023 to January 2024.
As part of his modus operandi, Franklin would provide drugs and alcohol to the victims, taking advantage of their inebriated state to perpetrate sexual assaults, a practice that he documented by filming the incidents.
The police reported that Franklin described the effects of the drugs on the victims as “incredible” and “absolutely breathtaking.”
During the trial, Franklin attempted to downplay the severity of his actions, referring to the abuse as “just a bit of fun.” The court also reviewed extensive digital communications where Franklin expressed romantic feelings for one of the victims, stating that he had a secret crush on her and found her beautiful.
In October, after a trial, a jury found Franklin guilty on multiple charges: one count of rape of a child under 16, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of causing a child to engage in a sexual act.
Detective Constable Jodie Singer, who led the investigation, acknowledged that the sentence was a step towards justice for the victims.
She commended their bravery throughout the investigation and expressed gratitude for their cooperation with the police.
Singer noted that Franklin exhibited no remorse during the investigation, indicating a belief that he would not face consequences for his actions.
The outcome of the case underscores the importance of victim support and law enforcement's commitment to addressing sexual crimes against minors.
The sentencing took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, where Franklin was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.
The police opened an investigation in April 2024 after a report was filed by a 15-year-old girl who stated that she had been sexually assaulted by someone known to her.
Further police inquiries revealed that Franklin had also assaulted three other girls, all aged between 15 and 16, during visits to his home from August 2023 to January 2024.
As part of his modus operandi, Franklin would provide drugs and alcohol to the victims, taking advantage of their inebriated state to perpetrate sexual assaults, a practice that he documented by filming the incidents.
The police reported that Franklin described the effects of the drugs on the victims as “incredible” and “absolutely breathtaking.”
During the trial, Franklin attempted to downplay the severity of his actions, referring to the abuse as “just a bit of fun.” The court also reviewed extensive digital communications where Franklin expressed romantic feelings for one of the victims, stating that he had a secret crush on her and found her beautiful.
In October, after a trial, a jury found Franklin guilty on multiple charges: one count of rape of a child under 16, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of causing a child to engage in a sexual act.
Detective Constable Jodie Singer, who led the investigation, acknowledged that the sentence was a step towards justice for the victims.
She commended their bravery throughout the investigation and expressed gratitude for their cooperation with the police.
Singer noted that Franklin exhibited no remorse during the investigation, indicating a belief that he would not face consequences for his actions.
The outcome of the case underscores the importance of victim support and law enforcement's commitment to addressing sexual crimes against minors.
