Mark Noyes sentenced to five years in prison for sexual offences against children

Mark Noyes, 46, has on Wednesday 26 June, been sentenced to five years in prison (with an extended licence of eight years) at Exeter Crown Court after being convicted of numerous sexual offences against children.

The court had heard that Noyes had deliberately accessed a social networking site in order to befriend and groom two vulnerable American girls from his home in Beaworthy.

The two victims involved were aged around 12 years at the time of the incidents.

Following the case, DC Glenn Boniface from Devon and Cornwall Police’s Public Protection Unit commented: “Mark Noyes was a manipulator who persuaded young girls to carry out acts for his own sexual gratification.

“The extent of his grooming can be seen by the fact that, throughout their contact with Noyes and indeed after his arrest, both of these girls truly believed that they were in a loving relationship with him.

“This case has involved collaboration between ourselves and various law enforcement agencies in the United States over a two-year period and entailed detailed investigation by all of the agencies concerned.

“We would particularly like to thank Lieutenant Broussard from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and officers from the Devon Child Exploitation Team who led the enquiry.

“This case shows that, wherever victims are, the Police will actively collaborate with law enforcement anywhere in the world to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.”

HSI London Attache, Matthew J Etre continued: “Thanks to the excellent collaboration between Devon and Cornwall Police, HSI and law enforcement officers in the United States, justice has been served.

“Targeting individuals who sexually exploit and prey on our children is one of HSI’s top priorities.

“Anyone who thinks that they can get away with the criminal exploitation of children is mistaken."