Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Tuesday 11th March 2025, at 14:30hrs
A Barnsley man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the rape, sexual assault, and false imprisonment of a 19-year-old woman.
Mark Nicholls, 37, of Mallory Way, Barnsley, received his sentence at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday, following a harrowing ordeal for the victim.
The incident occurred on April 14, 2024, when Nicholls offered the young woman a lift home while she was walking in the Barnsley area.
Instead of taking her to her destination, he drove her to a secluded location where he subjected her to a brutal sexual assault and rape. He then locked her in his vehicle before eventually allowing her to leave.
The victim bravely reported the crime to South Yorkshire Police, prompting a rapid investigation by Barnsley CID. Detectives quickly identified Nicholls, and he was arrested. A forensic examination of his vehicle revealed the victim’s jeans button on the backseat, providing crucial evidence.
Nicholls was charged on April 16, 2024, with rape, sexual assault, false imprisonment, and kidnap.
During police interviews, he denied the allegations and refused to answer questions.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Nicholls maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to sexual assault on May 15, 2024, and subsequently pleading not guilty to false imprisonment, rape, and kidnap on January 9, 2025. Following a seven-day trial at Sheffield Crown Court, he was found guilty of rape, sexual assault, and false imprisonment on January 15, 2025. He was acquitted of kidnap.
Detective Constable Alice Gilbert, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s courage and resilience. “I applaud the victim’s courage and would like to thank her for her support in this investigation,” she said.
“She has demonstrated great strength in coming forward, providing evidence at court, and helping to bring Nicholls to justice.
Nicholls showed no remorse throughout the trial, and I hope that yesterday’s sentencing provides some closure and peace to the victim.
His lengthy sentence means Nicholls will be off the streets of Barnsley and will not pose a risk to members of the public as they go about their daily lives in peace.”
Detective Inspector Helen Hughes, who heads the Reactive CID department, emphasized the force’s commitment to supporting victims of sexual offences.
“I hope this outcome encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward, with the assurance that we take crimes of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously and respond robustly to all reports,” she said.
“This case was complex in nature and following excellent detective work, the offender was placed before the courts and sentenced accordingly.
I would encourage any person who is a victim of rape or sexual assault, regardless of when it occurred, to report it to us. We will take your allegations seriously, we will listen to you and we will support you throughout the process.”
South Yorkshire Police remind the public that victims of sexual offences are granted lifelong anonymity by law, and it is a criminal offence to identify them or share any information that could lead to their identification.
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