Ex-BBC Radio 1 Announcer Gets Jail Boost for Child Sex Crimes
Mark Page, 63, has had his jail sentence hiked from 12 to 18 years after appeal judges branded his original term “too lenient.” The former Middlesbrough FC announcer was found guilty of arranging four horrific child sex offences between 2016 and 2019.
Grotesque Abuse Hidden Behind Business Trips
Page, once a familiar voice on BBC Radio 1 in the 1980s, was convicted at Teesside Crown Court of “grotesque sexual abuse” involving children as young as 12. The divorced father-of-three from Stockton exploited frequent trips to the Philippines as cover for his vile crimes.
- Two offences caught on webcam at his home
- Two others committed during overseas trips
Despite pleading not guilty and claiming his devices were hacked, the jury was unconvinced.
Judge Condemns Page’s Ruthless Exploitation
“You took advantage of poverty and deprivation in an underdeveloped country where children are routinely forced into prostitution,” Judge Paul Watson QC said at sentencing. “Your sole goal was to engage children as young as 12 in vile sexual activity to satisfy your perverted desires.” “You robbed them of their innocence, caused lasting trauma, and took pleasure in their humiliation. This was the epitome of depravity.”
Investigation Sparked by Facebook Messages
Police launched their investigation after alarming messages appeared on Facebook. A search of Page’s home revealed damning evidence from Skype chats and money transfers linked to the abuse.
He now faces a lifelong sexual harm prevention order.
