News of Doctor Strange actress Zara Phythian’s conviction has sent ripples through the acting world, from the Midlands to Hollywood. The Nottingham-born actress, 38, and husband Victor Marke, 59, were hit with historic sex abuse charges.

They appeared at Nottingham Crown Court earlier today and were sentenced for the historical sexual abuse of a girl who was aged between 13 and 15. The couple will sign the sex offenders’ register for life, be referred to the disclosure and barring service and are banned from working with children.

Phythian has been jailed for eight years. Marke has been sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Read more: Victor Marke: Face of husband of Doctor Strange actress who joined her in sex crimes with child

Who is Zara Phythian

Phythian is a British actress, stunt performer and martial artist. When she was seven years old, she started studying Shotokan Karate, a 19th century fluid style of karate that incorporates difficult grappling and throwing techniques.

Pythian entered the entertainment industry in 2006 with her debut film Crops. She continued building her portfolio both here in the UK and in America.

Following a few years playing small or walk-on roles, Pythian landed her big break in Marvel blockbuster Doctor Strange. Here she shared screen time with Mads Mikkelsen.

Why has Zara Phythian been jailed?

Zara Phythian and her husband Victor Marke were found guilty last week of 14 counts of sexual activity. They were found to have jointly groomed and abused the girl between 2005 and 2008.

Marke, who was also found guilty of indecently assaulting a second complainant, was handed a 14-year sentence at Nottingham Crown Court. Phythian was jailed for eight years.

Passing sentence, Judge Mark Watson told the couple he believed the start of the abuse was pre-planned. Addressing Phythian, he judge added: “Whilst you denied in cross-examination that you were besotted with Victor Marke, on the evidence I have heard I am in no doubt that your deviance was shaped by the influence that he had upon you from an early age.

“I cannot ignore that it started at a time when you were still young.”

But the judge added: “Having said that, none of this excuses what you did – these were choices you made. “You were by then successful in your own right. You chose to play your part.”

The couple will have to serve at least half of their sentence before they will be considered for parole.

How did Zara Phythian get her big break?

Speaking to YouTube channel MAaction.com in 2012, Phythian said: “I kind of fell into it slightly. I was competing in the States.

“This particular tournament I went to, had a new category of Action Star or something along those lines. They had producers and directors there to judge this event, which was quite rare, for a martial arts tournament.

“I didn’t really know anything about this section or division that was going on. I stuck around to watch what was going on.

“It took me by surprise, when a few directors approached me, after seeing me compete. They asked me if I wanted to come over and be in their feature film.

“So later on that year I went over to the States, filmed for five or six weeks on Crops, a low budget, independent film. It was the first acting job I’d done and my first sort of taster.

“That got me hooked. When I came back to the UK, I was eager to find out what people are doing in this country.

“I wanted to learn about acting and screen-fighting. My passion changed.

“I wanted to take my career down a different direction. One day, I would like to get back on the [competition] mats.”

Her IMDB profile lists over 20 film credits to her name. Here is the full list of films that Zara Phythian has appeared in.

• Tribal Get Out Alive
• Transit 17
• Street Blood
• Dragon Kingdom
• Outlawed
• Cannibals and Carpet Fitters
• Knights of the Damned
• Doctor Strange
• Kung Fu Darling
• Landlord: Time to Pay the Rent
• The Fight Room
• He Who Dares
• Enter the Streets of Myth
• Warrioress
• Iron Monk
• The Hike
• Furor: Rage of the Innocent
• Underground
• End of Anger
• Crops