Plymouth child rapist jailed for 22 years
A Plymouth child rapist has been jailed for 22 years and six months for repeatedly attacking two young victims.
Dillon Marsh, 30, was also sentenced for throwing petrol bombs at a family home starting a fire that could have cost lives.
Marsh, of Mount Gould Road in Plymouth, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court for sentence on Thursday 12 November having been found guilty at trial of three rapes of a child under 13, three times causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and seven sexual assaults of a child under 13.
Marsh entered a guilty plea to arson with intent to endanger life in relation to the petrol bomb incident.
The court heard how Marsh targeted the two victims between the ages of six and 10.
Marsh raped and sexually abused them on numerous occasions.
On occasions Marsh also used violence and threats towards his victims.
In interview Marsh denied any sexual offending towards the victims had taken place.
The petrol bomb incident took place on 27 October 2021 when Marsh threw two petrol bombs at a property in Plymouth.
The petrol bombs caused a window to smash.
Fortunately, nobody was injured.
Marsh was also made subject of a 30 year sexual harm prevention order at the sentencing hearing.
Officer in the case Detective Constable Paul Enticknap said: “We welcome the sentence given to Dillon Marsh at Plymouth Crown Court.
“Marsh committed the most vile sexual abuse against two young children – abuse which has had a considerable psychological impact on their lives.
“Marsh has never showed any remorse for his devastating actions and denied any wrongdoing in interview.
“I would like to thank the victims in this case for having the bravery to talk about what they suffered at the hands of Marsh, and remaining engaged throughout the legal process.
“I hope this sentence allows them to move on with their lives.
“Anybody who has been the victim of sexual abuse, regardless of when it has taken place, is asked to contact us. Each report will be investigated.”
Support available
If you have been affected by this article there is support available.
You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.
You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
Advice and support can also be found at:
National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
For more information please visit: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault
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