Jury takes 11 minutes to find paedophile guilty of several sexual offences

It took a jury just 11 minutes to find a paedophile guilty of several sexual offences involving children.

 

Mark Dodds physically and emotionally abused a large number of children between the ages of 8 and 15 over a ten-year period, often blackmailing them if they refused to send him naked images or perform sexual acts during the contact.

 

His offending came to light when Durham Constabulary were notified by another police force that he was having sexual contact over snapchat with a 12-year-old child.

 

Using his Snapchat account, Dodds incited the victim to carry out sexual acts whilst on live video calls to him. He recorded these calls without the knowledge of the victim and threatened to distribute the recordings if the victim did not send more.

 

During the investigation, detectives found that Dodds had incited numerous girls from across the UK and America, to perform depraved sexual acts upon themselves online, recording the acts which he kept for his own sexual gratification as well as distributing to other likeminded individuals online.

 

After reviewing his devices, it also became clear that he had sexually assaulted one of his victims six times and had recorded the offences on his mobile. Thousands of indecent images of a category A, B & C nature were also recovered from his devices.

 

Bishop Auckland CID, working with the Safeguarding team and Victim Identification officer Laura Robinson were able to identify the victim in the footage and immediately put safeguarding measures in place to protect her.

 

In 2023, officers attended Dodds address to arrest him for the multitude of offences. As they arrived at his flat in Spennymoor, Dodds was naked, live streaming indecent images of children on his laptop in his living room.

 

After refusing officers entry, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer, Dodds was eventually detained and placed in handcuffs whilst officers read out the offences he was arrested for.

 

Prior to trial, the 38-year-old plead guilty to 58 offences which included sexual communication with children, blackmail and taking, possessing and distributing indecent images and assault on an emergency worker.

 

He plead not guilty to six counts of sexual assaults on a child.

 

Following a three-day trial at Durham Crown Court last week, in which the victim provided evidence, it took jury members just 11 minutes to find him guilty of all six counts.

 

Throughout the trial, it was highlighted that Dodds would stare at officers in an attempt to intimidate them.

 

Dodds, of Spennymoor has been remanded into custody to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on January 6.

 

Detective Sergeant Lorraine Medd, who led the investigation said: “This was a distressing and lengthy investigation drawing together evidence from a number of devices and victims.

 

“Dodds subjected several vulnerable children to multiple forms of sexual abuse, robbing them of their childhood and leaving them with emotional scars which they may never truly recover from.

 

“I want to highlight the courage shown by the victim, who was forced to relive the abuse and provide evidence – their strength to stand up to Dodds is commendable. Alongside this, I would like to thank the investigation team who worked relentlessly and tirelessly to safeguard children and bring Mark Dodds to justice.

 

“I am delighted that the jury returned the verdict so quickly, ultimately protecting further children from becoming victims.

 

“I hope this result will allow the children to close this chapter of their lives and start their healing journey.”

 

You can report suspected abuse or concerns to Durham Constabulary by calling 101, or 999 if life is in immediate danger.

 

Alternatively, reports can be made completely anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 

Concerns can also be reported to Durham County Council on 03000 267 979, or Darlington Borough Council on 01325 406222.