December 4th 2024.
Mark Evans and Robert Evans, two brothers from Rotherham, have been found guilty of raping two teenage girls almost twenty years ago. The National Crime Agency uncovered their heinous crimes, which began in 2006 when the brothers were 18 and 21 years old. After a two-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court, the pair were convicted on two counts of rape each. Additionally, Mark Evans was found guilty of sexual activity with a child and assault by penetration.
Their arrest in August 2020 came after an investigation by the NCA's Operation Stovewood, which focuses on historic sexual abuse in Rotherham. Three female victims came forward with allegations against the brothers, sharing how they were intimidated, given drugs and alcohol, and then attacked in various locations. Shockingly, one of the victims was only 13 years old at the time.
One of the victims described how Mark Evans had given her and some friends alcohol before taking them to an abandoned barn. He then separated her from the group and raped her. Later, Robert Evans lured her to a house under false pretenses, plying her with alcohol on the way and then raping her when they arrived. The NCA reported that Robert seemed amused by the whole situation.
Another woman shared how Mark had walked her home when she was just 14, only to rape her in an alleyway. Later, she was again lured to a house by Robert, and he also raped her, this time in a bathroom. The third victim was groomed by Mark, who gave her drugs and alcohol and referred to her as his girlfriend when she was only 13 years old.
Senior investigator Kim Boreham from the NCA stated that their investigation revealed the disturbing ways in which the Evans brothers manipulated and lured young girls into dangerous situations. The victims showed incredible bravery in coming forward and testifying against the brothers, leading to their conviction and justice being served.
For those who have been victims of rape, whether recently or in the past, there is help and support available. If you are still in danger, it is important to call 999 and ask for the police. Otherwise, the first step is to find a safe place. If you choose to report the rape to the police, you can call 999 or the non-emergency line on 101. An Independent Sexual Violence Advocate can assist you in the reporting process, and you can withdraw at any time.
If possible, try not to wash or change your clothes, as they may contain DNA evidence. If you do change, store the clothes in a plastic bag. If you do not wish to involve the police, there are helplines available to talk to someone you trust and seek support. Additionally, if you have been injured, it is best to go to the nearest A&E for medical treatment, and if uninjured, you can go to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
It is important to note that there is no time limit on reporting historic rape, and support is still available. The sister of Mark and Robert, Ann Marie Evans, was also arrested and charged for identifying two of her brothers' victims on social media. It is a criminal offense to publish the identities of sexual offence victims, as they are granted lifelong anonymity by law.
Ms. Evans was convicted and sentenced last year, and her brothers will be sentenced on January 16th at Sheffield Crown Court. Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse as a child can report it to the police by calling 101 or visiting a police station. No one should ever have to suffer in silence, and there are resources available to help and support victims of rape.
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