Blackpool man jailed for 10 years after rape in Bolton
Mark Watson 46 was sentenced today
Mark Watson 46, of Lowrey Terrace, Blackpool, admitted raping a woman in Bolton in April 2024.
He was arrested by Lancashire Police in Blackpool in April last year and admitted the charge at Manchester Crown Court on 17 February this year.
Today, Watson was sentenced to 8 years in prison for rape at Bolton Crown Court.
Watson was additionally sentenced to two years in prison for a separate drugs conspiracy matter following an investigation by Lancashire Police.
The combined sentencing means that Watson has been sentenced to 10 years in total.
Detective Constable Jordan Brown, from Bolton CID, said: “Watson put his victim through a terrifying ordeal and is rightly behind bars.
“He blatantly disregarded his bail conditions and continued to relentlessly contact and intimidate the victim. This led to him being further arrested and remanded into custody until his trial date due to the significant harm he was causing to the victim and the investigation as a whole.
“He denied the offence right up to his trial date, putting the victim through even more stress and uncertainty.
“Our commitment to protecting victims of sexual violence is unwavering. Speaking out about sexual abuse is incredibly difficult and the victim has shown incredible bravery, I would urge any victims of sexual offences to get in touch with us. You will be listened to, believed, and we will do our best to get you the justice you deserve.
"Anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse should call us directly, contact 101 or talk to us via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency."
The victim outlined how the ordeal had affected her, saying she is struggling with her mental health and is in counselling.
She said in her victim impact statement: "Even though I know that he is in prison, I still have constant thoughts about seeing him or seeing his car around every corner.
"I am always under constant high alert and stress when I am out in public.
"I have been through therapy and counselling - this has and will take a lot out of me emotionally as I am having to relive my trauma and my therapists believe I have PTSD.
"This has hugely affected my mental health and I struggle to trust people."