Man (25) Found Guilty Of Rape

Wednesday, 21 October 2020 18:00

A 25-year-old man has been found guilty of raping a woman in Jersey last year.

Mark Fernandes from Jersey, who will be sentenced at a later date following the conclusion of a six-day trial in Jersey's Royal Court, sexually assaulted his victim in the early hours of 5 May 2019 and was arrested later the same day.

Jersey Police say recovering forensic samples quickly, getting mobile phone data, and analysing the CCTV footage was crucial to this investigation.

The force adds that the young lady involved has shown a great deal of strength and courage throughout this investigation, which has had a devastating impact on all aspects of her life.

"Although rape is a particularly serious offence to investigate, thankfully they remain a rare occurrence in Jersey. The States of Jersey Police have the utmost determination to investigate and prosecute all sexual offenders and we can assure victims that there is help available from a number of agencies who are in a position to offer support and guidance through all stages of the criminal justice process.

"We remain committed to working with our partners, especially support and advocacy services such as the SARC at Dewberry House, JAAR and the Jersey Women’s Refuge, to encourage victims of sexual crime to report such incidents." - Acting Detective Inspector Christina MacLennan, head of the Serious Crime Unit.

The Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Dewberry House is available to support victims of sexual abuse. They can be contacted on 01534 888222.