New Malden paedophile who used hidden cameras jailed over ‘distressing’ rapes

A paedophile who used hidden cameras and IT expertise in “distressing” sex offences has been jailed for more than 20 years for crimes - including raping two children under 13.

Mark Bolton, 55, of New Malden, Kingston, was found guilty of a slew of charges and has been sentenced to 22 years behind bars, after one of the victims reported the abuse at school.

The lead detective described Bolton’s offences as “some of the most distressing in six years investigating child abuse”, and said he “sexually abused, groomed and secured their continued silence… while positioning himself as a respectable family man”.

Bolton was convicted of:

• Five counts of raping a child.
• Two counts of attempted rape of a child.
• Seven counts of sexual assault of a child.
• One count of assault by penetration of a child.
• One count of sexual activity with a child.
• Two counts of causing a child to engage in or watch sexual activity.
• One count of taking indecent photographs of a child.
• And one count of voyeurism.

He was sentenced on Friday, November 5, at Kingston Crown Court, having been convicted on September 2after a trial at the same court.

Bolton, previously known as Dermot Bolton, committed the offences over a period of nine years against two girls under the age of 13, and was known to the victims and their relatives.

Police were alerted after one of the victims spoke to a member of staff at their school, who contacted the child’s mother, who called the police on December 1, 2020.

Met Police officers launched an urgent investigation and Bolton was arrested later that day.

Det Con Katy Waddington said: “The details of this case were some of the most distressing I have heard in six years investigating child abuse.

“Mark Bolton sexually abused the children, having groomed them and ultimately secured their continued silence.

“He used covert hidden cameras and his knowledge of IT to further his sexual interest in children all the while positioning himself as a respectable family man.

“I continue to be in awe of victims who come forward to face their abusers, even more so in cases where the abuse was by someone they trusted.

“There are not enough words to describe the bravery and dignity shown.

“I hope the children and their relatives will find some peace moving forward, and the lengthy prison sentence will reassure them as they begin to rebuild their lives.”

Bolton is also subject to a sexual harm prevention order and has been placed on the sex offenders register for life.

For more information on how to report concerns about a child to the Met Police, visit their website or speak to the NSPCC.