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Rapist jailed after decade on run Rapist jailed after decade on run
(about 19 hours later)
A rapist who went on the run for 10 years after a string of sex offences in Kent has been jailed for 13 years.A rapist who went on the run for 10 years after a string of sex offences in Kent has been jailed for 13 years.
Carl Marcus Sparks, 48, of Woodshawe Road, Leicester was due to stand trial in November 1996 but disappeared after failing to answer bail. Carl Marcus Sparks, 37, of Woodshawe Road, Leicester was due to stand trial in November 1996 but disappeared after failing to answer bail.
He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday to two rapes, two offences of actual bodily harm and one of unlawful sexual intercourse.He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday to two rapes, two offences of actual bodily harm and one of unlawful sexual intercourse.
He also admitted two charges of threatening to commit arson.He also admitted two charges of threatening to commit arson.
Motocross businessMotocross business
He was found guilty of false imprisonment at the same court in June last year.He was found guilty of false imprisonment at the same court in June last year.
Kent Police said the sex offences took place in Thanet and Medway in 1994 and 1995.Kent Police said the sex offences took place in Thanet and Medway in 1994 and 1995.
They said he ran a motocross business under an assumed name in Leicester until his arrest last year.They said he ran a motocross business under an assumed name in Leicester until his arrest last year.
"After failing to answer bail for his court appearance in 1996, Sparks, who had been free for a considerable period of time, was tracked down," said Det Ch Insp Tim Smith."After failing to answer bail for his court appearance in 1996, Sparks, who had been free for a considerable period of time, was tracked down," said Det Ch Insp Tim Smith.
"The sentences reflect the seriousness of his crimes and shows that Kent Police will track down criminals who abscond and made sure they are brought before the court.""The sentences reflect the seriousness of his crimes and shows that Kent Police will track down criminals who abscond and made sure they are brought before the court."