Six years' jail for rapist who attacked girl in Bolton-on-Dearne

Mark Birtles (20), of Laburnum Road, Mexborough, was found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court last Friday (20) after a three-day trial.

Det Con Cheryl McCorkell, who led the investigation, said: “Birtles had offered the victim a lift one evening last April before he stopped in a remote area and raped her.

“She has shown immense courage in coming forward and reporting what happened and was forced to endure the trial after Birtles continued to deny his guilt, despite the substantial evidence gathered against him.

“I’d like to thank and praise the girl for showing such strength and bravery as she gave evidence during the trial. 

“The conviction is a testament to that and I hope that knowing Birtles is behind bars for the next six years goes some way in helping her to move forward with her life.”

Birtles, who was arrested last April, was also given a year in jail concurrently for breaching a suspended sentence.