Mark Madrell: Man jailed for 23 years for raping and assaulting young girls

The 35-year-old committed six acts of rape and four counts of sexually assaulting a child

Child rapist Mark Madrell, 37, who has been jailed for 23 years (PA)

A child rapist who organised a party where he got under-age girls drunk so he could abuse them has been jailed for 23 years after he was branded "dangerous" by a judge.

Mark Madrell, 37, showed "not an ounce of remorse" despite admitting a string of rapes, sexual assaults on young girls and grooming offences over a prolonged period, Teesside Crown Court heard.

He would try to bribe his victims with gifts, and isolated one girl against whom the most serious offences were committed, manipulating the circumstances so he could repeatedly prey on her.

Jo Kidd, prosecuting, described a party the defendant organised where he supplied the young girls with alcohol, cigarettes and gifts.

"There were bottles of alcopops, cider, lager and whisky," she said.

"During the course of the evening he plied them with drink, provided them with cigarettes and then began a rather bizarre food fight."

Madrell, who portrayed himself as the "life and soul of the party", drenched his victims, then watched them get changed, spying on one girl in the shower.

The girls later told their parents what happened and Madrell was arrested.

His more serious offending against one of the four victims later came to light, the court heard.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton sentenced Madrell, previously of Prior Court, Billingham, Teesside, to 23 years in jail, extended by six years on licence.

His offending was "beyond any sensible, right-thinking person's comprehension" and the judge said the girl he repeatedly raped over a long period of time will never be the same again.

The judge said: "You have completely destroyed her life. The psychological scars are deep and permanent and you remain in complete denial as to that.

"You may have pleaded guilty to these offences but you have shown not one ounce of remorse."

Madrell made comments while a pre-sentence report was being prepared that "sex was part of life".

The judge said: "These are deeply concerning aspects of the report and confirm to me that you are a dangerous individual."

There were cries of "yes" in the public gallery when Madrell, who appeared via a videolink from prison and was holding a metal crutch, was sentenced.

He must serve at least two-thirds of his 23-year jail term behind bars, and will only be released before those 23 years have passed if the Parole Board agrees.

The judge said he will remain on licence for a further six years after the 23-year term, and that will be subject to conditions.

A Sexual Harm Prevention Order, without time limit, was made.

Madrell admitted six counts of rape, four counts of sexually assaulting a child, two of causing a girl to engage in sexual activity, one of causing a child to watch a sex act and two of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming.

PA