A MAN has been jailed for 27 years after being found guilty of sexually abusing children.

Marc Bear, aged 38, and from Launceston, was also given a year on extended licence, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

He appeared at Truro Crown Court on Friday December 5, where HHJ Judge Carr told him that he would be a risk to children for the rest of his life.

Following a trial which concluded in November, the jury found Bear guilty of the following 16 offences against children: ten counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity

They also found Bear not guilty of two offences of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.

Following conviction, the judge granted Bear bail in order to prepare for a custodial sentence, however he absconded and was located the following day in Somerset. The judge told him it was clear he had planned to abscond, saying: “that told me everything I need to know about your character”.

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Tim Barbery from the Public Protection Unit said: “This was a highly disturbing case where the offender has exploited the vulnerability of young people for his own sexual gratification, and I welcome the sentence handed down by the judge.

“This has been a protracted investigation due to the nature of the offences and the strength and bravery shown by the victims in support of the police case has been crucial.

“I hope the outcome given today provides them with a small element of closure so that they can begin to move forward.”