Mark Bye, of Red Lodge, near Mildenhall, jailed for sexually abusing boy over four year period

A boy who was sexually abused by a Suffolk man over a four year period has told a court of the shame and fear to speak out.

Mark Bye, previously of Acorn Way, Red Lodge, was jailed for seven years and four months at Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday.

Bye had pleaded guilty to 13 charges in total, comprising one count of a serious sexual offence with a boy under 16, an attempted serious sexual offence with a boy under 16, eight counts of indecent assault of a child and three counts of indecency with a child.

The abuse was against a single boy and took place over four years.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said: “The sexual abuse has impacted my life in so many ways, especially my relationships with loved ones and immediate family.

"Until now I have never told anyone. I have always felt ashamed, disgusted and mostly afraid to speak of it.

“It has impacted my life in so many ways. The painful memories are extreme.

"I honestly believe he is a danger to all children and young people.”

In addition to his sentence, Bye was forced to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and was handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable George Bullent, who was the investigating officer on the case, described Bye’s crimes against his young victim as ‘truly awful’.

He commended the boy for his bravery in coming forward and working with officers throughout the investigation.

“I hope that his bravery in coming forward gives others the confidence to do the same,” Mr Bullent added.

“I also hope that this case demonstrates that despite the amount of time that has passed, we can still prosecute and secure convictions for perpetrators of serious sexual assault.

“We are pleased with the sentence that has been given and this reflects the severity of the crimes committed.

“However, whilst this sentence will provide the victim with some closure, understandably, what Bye did to him will have impacted him tremendously.”