A MAN who trapped a 19-year-old woman in his car after raping and sexually assaulting her will spend the next ten years behind bars.
While prowling the streets of Barnsley, Mark Nicholls approached the victim and offered her a lift home on April 14, 2024.
After she entered his car, the 37-year-old predator drove her to a remote location where he sexually assaulted and raped her.
Later, he locked her in his vehicle before finally allowing her to leave.
Nicholls’ victim bravely reported the crime and following a swift investigation by Barnsley CID, he was identified and arrested.
His vehicle was seized and upon a forensic search of the vehicle, the a button from his victim’s jeans was located on the back seat.
Officers charged Nicholls, of Mallory Way, Cudworth, two days later with rape, sexual assault, false imprisonment and kidnap.
During police interviews, Nicholls said that the allegations made against him were false and provided no comment to all questions asked.
On May 15, he pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, and on January 9, he pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment, rape and kidnap.
On January 15, Nicholls was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and false imprisonment following a seven-day trial at Sheffield Crown Court, though was found not guilty of kidnap.
On Monday he was sentenced at the same court to ten years’ imprisonment.
Detective Constable Alice Gilbert, the officer in charge of the case, said: “I applaud the victim’s courage and would like to thank her for her support in this investigation.
“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 leads the reactive CID department, added: “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.
“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.”
