Police welcome conviction of Mansfield martial arts instructors for sexually abusing teenage girl

Police officers have hailed the conviction of two martial arts instructors with sexually abusing a teenage girl.
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Zara Marke, 35, of Taurus Close, Mansfield, was found guilty of 14 counts of sexual activity with a child.

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Zara – also known as Zara Phythian – appeared in hit Marvel movie Doctor Strange, alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, and set up Personal Best Academy, teaching martial arts from its centre on The Broadway, almost opposite Mansfield Police Station.

Victor Marke and actress Zara Marke, arrive at Nottingham Crown Court, April 28 2022.   See SWNS story SWLEstrange. Zara Phythian - who appeared in Doctor Strange with Benedict Cumberbatch - is accused of numerous sexual offences along with her husband Victor Marke. Mr Marke and Ms Phythian - whose legal name is now Zara Marke - are jointly accused of 14 charges of sexual activity with a child in relation to the womanVictor Marke and actress Zara Marke, arrive at Nottingham Crown Court, April 28 2022.   See SWNS story SWLEstrange. Zara Phythian - who appeared in Doctor Strange with Benedict Cumberbatch - is accused of numerous sexual offences along with her husband Victor Marke. Mr Marke and Ms Phythian - whose legal name is now Zara Marke - are jointly accused of 14 charges of sexual activity with a child in relation to the woman
Victor Marke and actress Zara Marke, arrive at Nottingham Crown Court, April 28 2022. See SWNS story SWLEstrange. Zara Phythian - who appeared in Doctor Strange with Benedict Cumberbatch - is accused of numerous sexual offences along with her husband Victor Marke. Mr Marke and Ms Phythian - whose legal name is now Zara Marke - are jointly accused of 14 charges of sexual activity with a child in relation to the woman

Sentencing was adjourned until next week.

Detective Constable Paula Wilson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I am delighted this case has now concluded and relieved for the victims that justice has been served and the jury has come to the decision it has.

“This was a long and complex investigation made all the more challenging by the sheer volume of digital data we had to retrieve and examine, and the number of witnesses that were spoken to.

“Like all perpetrators of sexual abuse, the Markes were eventually undone by the determination of the victims who showed bravery and strength in coming forward and seeing this case through to the end.”

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Detective Inspector Parminder Dhillon, senior investigating officer, said: “I want to thank the two victims who have showed great courage in coming forward and talking about their ordeal.

“Although no punishment handed down by a court can undo the lifelong damage caused to the them, I do hope they take some degree of comfort from the knowledge justice has now been done.

“I hope this case serves as a reminder to others – that we treat all allegations of sexual abuse with the utmost seriousness and that, even in cases where offences occurred many years ago, we will thoroughly investigate and we will do everything in our power to bring perpetrators to justice.”