This is an amazing story, this guy has performed at hundreds of childrens parties in the area over the years...
Mark Whincup: North Wales children's entertainer in court over child abuse images and dealing crystal methDec 05, 2014 15:22 By Eryl Crump, Gareth HughesThe 50-year-old magician is facing 19 charges relating to making, distributing and possessing indecent images and three for supplying Class A drugs
Steve LewisMark Whincup worked with CAIS, the drug and alcohol agency, on a project called 'Don’t Touch, Tell' warning children of the dangers of needlesMark Whincup worked with CAIS, the drug and alcohol agency, on a project called 'Don’t Touch, Tell' warning children of the dangers of needles
A North Wales children’s entertainer has appeared in court charged with supplying, making and possessing indecent images of children and supplying Class A drugs including crystal meth.
Mark John Whincup, of Ebberston Road East, Rhos-on-Sea, faces 22 charges involving drugs and child pornography.
The 50-year-old, who is also known as “Magic Mark”, was remanded in custody at Prestatyn Magistrates and will appear at Caernarfon Crown Court next week.
As well as being a magician Whincup has also worked with CAIS, the drug and alcohol agency, on a project called “Don’t Touch, Tell”, warning children of the dangers of needles.
The entertainer has appeared in local pantomimes including those at Theatr Colwyn.
Robert Parry JonesMark Whincup when he played Wishee Washee in Aladdin at Theatr ColwynMark Whincup when he played Wishee Washee in Aladdin at Theatr Colwyn
Prosecutor Tracey Willingham outlined the charges, three of them relating to the supply of a Class A drug, methamphetamine, which is known as crystal meth.
Whincup is also charged with nine offences of making indecent films, six of distributing indecent images of children, two of possessing videos of extreme pornography, one of possessing 674 video images and one of possessing 117 still images.
All the alleged offences occurred between January, 2012, and July this year, but Ms Willingham stressed that none of the images were of children with whom he had come into contact in his work as an entertainer.
Whincup, who sat with his head bowed and eyes closed much of the time as the content of some of the films was outlined, gave no indication of his pleas to the charges.
The magistrates declined jurisdiction and remanded him in custody after his solicitor Ms Elspeth Kenny said she was not in a position to put forward a bail address outside North Wales.
Whincup was first arrested on July 2 this year and answered bail on December 4 when he was charged with distribution, making and possession of indecent images of children and supply of class A drugs.
Speaking after Whincup was charged Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Evans said: “Following interview he was bailed for officers to complete their investigation and examine electronic equipment seized from him.
“On December 4 he answered bail and was charged with distribution, making and possession of indecent images of children and supply of class A drugs.”
The officer added: “The defendant is a well-known local children’s entertainer who has worked across North Wales for years. I understand this will cause concern however I can say that at this stage of the enquiry, none of the images were obtained during the course of his work. As this matter is now before the Courts it would be inappropriate to add anything further.”
If anyone has concerns or wants further information they can phone North Wales Police on 101.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/mark-whincup-north-wales-childrens-8236181
