Paedophile jailed 14 years after abusing young boy in Luton more than 20 years ago

The past finally caught up with 59-year-old Mark Solomon, of Ingleway, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, after his victim came forward about the abuse he had suffered.

Solomon was living in Luton when he sexually abused the boy from the time he was 6 years old, up until he was 10.

Solomon took advantage of swimming trips and days out as an opportunity to assault the youngster.

He would then bribe the child with money for sweets and Pokémon cards, telling him “that’s so you don’t tell anybody”.

The abuse only stopped when Solomon moved away from the county.

The victim, now in his 30s, reported the abuse to police in 2017 and an investigation was launched.

Solomon was arrested in February 2018, but denied the allegations.

He was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16 years, which occurred between 1994 and 1999, and was sentenced to 14 years in prison at Luton Crown Court on Friday (23 October).

Solomon was also placed on the sex offenders register for life.

In an impact statement read out during the hearing, the court was told that the victim had buried the abuse for so many years.

He said: “At the time, he told me I must not tell my mum and dad because they would be hurt, and I believed him.”

Eventually, the victim opened up to family members about the abuse what he had endured, when memories were triggered and his mental health began to suffer.

Detective Constable Amy Hawkes, who investigated the case, said: “The sexual abuse of children is a heinous crime.

“Solomon subjected the boy to repeated incidents of sexual abuse over a prolonged period of several years, warning him not to tell anyone, and his young victim trusted him.

“I want to thank the victim for finding the courage to come forward, and for remaining on board with us throughout this extensive investigation.

"I'd also like to extend my thanks to his wife for her support.

"I hope that seeing Solomon incarcerated for such a long term will bring about some closure.

“It is never too late to report sexual offences, no matter when they happened, and this case demonstrates the lengths we will go to in order to see an offender brought to justice.”

Detective Inspector Michelle Lack added: “We know that it can take a long time, perhaps years, or in this case, decades, before a victim is ready to speak about their experiences.

“I would ask that if you have concerns about child sexual abuse, or you have ever been a victim, please report it, don’t carry this by yourself.

“We have specially trained officers, and a network of partner agencies, ready to listen and who will support and guide you.”

Parents and carers can visit the Parents Protect website which is run by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, for resources to help identify and prevent child sexual abuse.

The NSPCC website has a wealth of information on how to talk to your child about staying safe from sexual abuse, including the PANTS underwear rule:

P – Privates are private

A – Always remember your body belongs to you

N – No means no

T – Talk about secrets that upset you

S – Speak up, someone can help

You can find more information and resources on the Bedfordshire Police website.

To report child sex abuse, call 101. In an emergency, always call 999.