A paedophile who admitted 19 counts of crimes against children including rape, sexual assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity has been sentenced to six years in prison.

Mark Anderton, aged 32 and from Fareham, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, October 9 following guilty pleas to 19 charges which include four counts rape of a child and seven counts of sexual assault of a child, and causing a child to watch a sexual act.

The charges related to a number of incidents which occurred at an address in Poole between 2004 and 2011 involving Anderton and two male victims.

The abuse was first reported to police in August 2022 and following detailed enquiries by detectives, Anderton was interviewed on two occasions in January 2023 and October 2023. He was subsequently charged in connection with the matter, and pleaded guilty to the charges in July, with sentencing taking place last week.

Meanwhile, detectives have praised the bravery displayed by two victims who helped bring the sex offender to justice

Detective Sergeant Shane Grant, of Dorset Police, said: “Mark Anderton behaved in a truly abhorrent way, and his offending has had a lasting impact on the two victims.

“I would like to thank them for the incredible bravery they have shown in coming forward to report the abuse and then continuing to provide support throughout the investigation process.

“As a result of their courage and resilience, we were able to compile evidence and ensure Anderton faced justice for his actions.

“I hope that the result of this case helps and inspires other victims of rape and sexual offences to find the strength to come forward and report matters to us. Victims can be assured that they will be fully supported by specially trained officers and that we will thoroughly investigate the offences.”

If you have been a victim of a sexual offence and you want to report directly to the police, call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency.