In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Mark Light—of Portslade, East Sussex—received a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of multiple sexual assaults against a child. Light was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court following a trial in which he was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault. It was reported that the investigation into Light’s conduct established a pattern of inappropriate contact, although the jury acquitted him of a fourth related charge during the proceedings.
The investigation established that Light’s offences involved the sexual targeting of a minor, necessitating a criminal trial at Lewes Crown Court to determine the extent of his actions. The prosecution reported that the evidence presented to the jury was sufficient to secure convictions on three separate counts, highlighting the risk Light posed to the victim. Following the guilty verdicts, the court moved to implement measures designed to monitor his behaviour and prevent any further contact with children in the Portslade area.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Light’s sentence was structured to combine punishment with mandatory rehabilitation. Lewes Crown Court heard that Light was handed a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended, meaning he would not serve immediate jail time provided he adhered to strict court conditions. The investigation established that as part of his sentence, Light must complete a set number of rehabilitation activity requirement sessions aimed at addressing his offending behaviour and assessing the ongoing risk he presents to the community.
Judge-led proceedings at Lewes Crown Court concluded with Light being placed on the sex offenders register for a period of five years. For his actions in Portslade and East Sussex, the court also imposed notification requirements that mandate Light must keep the police informed of his address and any changes to his personal circumstances. The judge noted that while the sentence was suspended, any breach of his conditions or any further offending would result in the immediate activation of the two-year custodial term.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in East Sussex, the status of Mark Light as of April 7, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: RELEASED (2-year suspended sentence active; sentenced circa 2025/2026).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active until 2030/2031 (5-year term).
- SHPO Status: Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Sexual assault of a child; 3 counts total).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Lewes Crown Court; investigated by Sussex Police.
- Criminal Record: Convicted of 3 counts of child sexual assault; Subject to mandatory rehabilitation sessions; Acquitted of 1 count.
- Origin: Portslade, East Sussex.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Light is managed as a registered sex offender within the Portslade area following his sentencing. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his convictions for “sexual assault of a child”—his management is a priority for the Sussex Police Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his inclusion on the register for five years ensures that his residence in Portslade is documented and that he is subject to unannounced visits by specialist officers to verify his compliance with the law.
As a registered sex offender, the defendant’s details are permanently logged on the national police database for the duration of his five-year term. Authorities state that his rehabilitation activity requirement is a critical component of his management, providing oversight of his mindset and potential for recidivism. Any failure to notify police of his movements in East Sussex, any breach of his suspended sentence conditions, or any unauthorised proximity to children will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from his demonstrated pattern of sexual assault.
QUESTION – Given that the offender received a suspended sentence for three counts of sexual assault against a child, do you believe that “Suspended Sentences” provide an adequate deterrent for those convicted of contact sexual offences?
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