A Bristol Paedophile stalker, Marcus Horn, who inflicted a “relentless campaign of psychological abuse” on a teenage girl has been incarcerated. The court heard that Marcus Horn developed an obsession with the minor, contacting her to solicit sexual acts and providing her links to pornographic websites.
Despite being reported to the police, Marcus Horn was released on bond, subsequently harassing his victim once more. A 49-year-old resident, Marcus Horn, of Ivywell Road in Bristol pleaded guilty to stalking, inciting a minor to engage in sexual behaviour, and two counts of sexual communication with a minor.
Judge Julian Lambert imposed an 11-year sentence, consisting of seven years of incarceration and four years of extended supervision. The judge designated Marcus Horn as a dangerous offender, mandating indefinite registration as a sex offender and prohibiting all contact with the victim and other specified individuals indefinitely.
The judge told Marcus Horn: “This was a determined campaign of psychological abuse. Your conduct is chillingly careless of her age and feelings. Suffering caused is of a high magnitude.”
Anjali Gohil, prosecuting, told Bristol Crown Court Marcus Horn messaged the child with a lewd request and sent her sexual images with the words “that’s you soon”. Police called in found Marcus Horn had indecent images on his phone, upon which he had put the girl’s name.
Marcus Horn was released under investigation. But he contacted the girl again and left her messages in which he appeared to be performing a sex act on himself.
The victim made an impact statement in which she said the messages scared her and she couldn’t understand Marcus Horn’s conduct, which made her very angry. She said that, as a result of the abuse, she was unable to relax and felt anxious all the time.
She stated: “I always feel I am being watched when I close my eyes. I was always worried more messages would come through.”
Ehsanul Oarith, defending, said: “There is no possible justification for what he’s done. He does not suggest that he’s innocent.
“Marcus Horn is not seeking to minimise what he has done or shift blame. There are underlying issues for distorted thinking.”
Mr Oarith said his client had experienced trauma in his life including physical injury. He said Marcus Horn was a non-dependant cocaine user with a difficult mental health history.
Mr Oarith told the court: “Marcus Horn can address substance misuse and mental health issues, as well, to make sure when he comes out he a better man than when he went in. He will be on a very tight leash when he comes out.”
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