Cornwall Rapist Sentenced to 27 Years After Attempted Escape

A Cornwall-based rapist received a 27-year prison sentence after attempting to escape the country. Marc Bear, 38, residing in Launceston, was found guilty of 13 counts of rape and sexual assault involving two young female victims, following a trial conducted at Truro Crown Court. The judge granted overnight bail, describing it as an “act of mercy,” but Bear absconded before his arrest at a B&B located in Somerset. His Honour Judge Simon Carr stated that Bear’s offenses were “brutal and systematic.” According to Prosecutor Bathsheba Cassell, Bear was discovered in possession of his passport, cash, and a train ticket, indicating an effort to reach London Heathrow Airport to depart the country. Bear, whose appearance was via video link, also received a six-month jail term, to run concurrently with the 27-year sentence, after confessing to failing to surrender for his bail. He was permanently added to the Sex Offender Register and issued a restraining order that will remain in effect until a subsequent directive. Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.