In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that then 59-year-old Mark Solomon—of Ingleway, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire—was jailed for 14 years for the serial sexual abuse of a young boy. The investigation established that Solomon, while living in Luton in the 1990s, targeted his victim from the age of six. The prosecution reported that Solomon utilized swimming trips and days out as “predatory” opportunities for access, continuing the abuse for four years until the boy reached the age of 10.
The investigation established that Solomon employed “vile” manipulation to ensure the child’s silence, bribing him with money for sweets and Pokémon cards. The prosecution reported that Solomon warned the boy to hide the abuse from his parents, claiming they would be “hurt” if they found out. This “sinister” psychological pressure caused the victim, now in his 30s, to bury the trauma for decades before memories were triggered, leading to a decline in his mental health and his eventual report to the police in 2017.
Judicial Findings and Life-Long Impact
The court reported that Solomon’s actions represented a “grave” betrayal of trust that had long-lasting, devastating consequences for the survivor. The investigation established that Solomon was arrested in February 2018 but continued to deny the “stomach-churning” allegations throughout the proceedings. The prosecution reported that during the trial, Solomon was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16, offences which occurred between 1994 and 1999.
Judge-led proceedings at Luton Crown Court concluded on Friday, 23 October 2020, with Solomon being sentenced to 14 years in prison. For his actions in Luton and the nature of the “serial” historic abuse reported, he was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life. The judge noted that the severity of the sentence reflects the “vile” nature of the prolonged abuse and the manipulation used to silence a defenceless child.
Status and Statutory Requirements
Based on the judicial orders issued at Luton Crown Court in 2020:
- Custodial Status: SERVING (Sentenced to 14 years in 2020; currently incarcerated).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active FOR LIFE.
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults; permanently barred from all regulated activity).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Indecent assault on a boy under 16 x7).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Luton Crown Court; investigated by Bedfordshire Police.
- Criminal Record: Sexually abused a child from age 6 to 10; Used Pokémon cards and sweets as “bribes” for silence; Manipulated the victim into hiding the abuse from his parents; Denied all charges until found guilty by a jury.
- Origin: Ingleway, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire (Offences committed in Luton, Bedfordshire).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Solomon is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Lancashire. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his “calculated grooming of a child over a four-year period and his use of emotional manipulation”—he is a priority for the most rigorous custodial and post-release supervision. Authorities reported that the 2020 conviction ensures Solomon is subject to permanent monitoring to prevent any further “predatory” access to children.
As a registered sex offender for life, his details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Solomon’s history identifies him as an individual who prioritised his own “vile” desires over the safety and innocence of a six-year-old boy. Any failure by Solomon to notify police of his movements in Thornton-Cleveleys or elsewhere, or any unauthorised proximity to minors, will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who has violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that the offender used “Pokémon Cards” and “Swimming Trips” to facilitate grooming, do you believe that “Grooming Paraphernalia and Activity” should legally trigger an automatic increase in sentencing for all historic abuse cases?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.