Perverted Doctor Strange actress Zara Phythian was “besotted” with her “touchy-feely” husband, it has been revealed, after the pair were convicted of sordid sex crimes with a girl. Zara, who used her married name of Marke in court, and substantially older husband Victor will learn how long they will spend in jail on May 16.

The sporty couple stood shell-shocked in the dock at Nottingham Crown Court as they were jointly found guilty of 14 charges of sexual activity with the girl after a trial lasting more than two weeks.

Victor Marke, 59, of Mavis Avenue, Ravenshead, was further convicted of four charges of indecent assault with another young victim after he touched her breasts under her clothing and performed two sexual acts on her. As the unanimous verdicts were read out by the jury foreman, Zara Marke, wiped a way a tear as she was lead to the cells ahead of the sentencing.

READ MORE: Doctor Strange actress Zara Pythian and husband convicted of sex crimes

Her acting career now lies in tatters after her meteoric rise to fame which took off when was spotted in America. She is one of Europe’s most decorated and highly revered female martial artists.

A former 13-time multi-style sports martial arts champion, she rose to being one of the UK’s most exciting talents working in film, TV, motion capture, music videos and live presentations.

Hollywood beckoned when she won the role of Brunette Zealot in the 2016 Marvel superhero film Doctor Strange alongside Benedict Cumberbatch. She also bagged roles in Accident Man 2 (2022), Tribal Get Out Alive (2020) and Marvel’s Doctor Strange (2016) where she starred with Benedict Cumberbatch.

Asking to remain anonymous, a family friend of Zara Marke told how he was not surprised at the verdict and thought the couple should have been found guilty. Victor Marke worked from home, on websites and YouTube, behind the scenes, and anything for Zara, he said.

“Zara was besotted with him,” said the friend of the family. “More than 100%. “I hope they both go to prison. Their lives are ruined. They have ruined other lives. It is good this has come to light”.

Zara Marke runs Personal Best Martial Arts Academy, opposite Mansfield Police Station, but her future is uncertain as she awaits sentencing with her husband on May 16.

The jury had aheard more about her professional life and on the subject of more intimate topics – including a tattoo of her husband’s name in Chinese calligraphy in an intimate area – and about her sex toy collection which included nipple tassels. She told the jury of the inking: “It’s fairly large”, and it is visible through her underwear.

Addressing the couple in the dock after the verdicts were announced on Wednesday, May 11, Judge Mark Watson said: “Zara Marke and Victor Marke, I am going to pass sentence on you on May 16. I will remand you into custody until then.” He said when he passes sentence “it is likely to be measured by a considerable period in custody.”

The couple tightly embraced before they were lead down to the cells to be transferred to custody to await their fate. A family friend of Zara Marke, 36, of Taurus Close, Mansfield, said afterwards the star was “a cold person” who was “besotted” with her husband who was “touchy-feely” and there had been rumours for years.

Neither of the devastated victims, now grown up women, wished to comment after the case, which saw them giving difficult video interviews to police about the abuse and evidence in court before the jury – with the Markes listening close by in the dock.

Nicole Hepburn from the CPS said it was an appalling case, and Victor Marke ruthlessly took advantage of the age and vulnerability of these girls.

“Both defendants have denied their actions, instead blaming the victims and accusing them of lying. Thanks to their evidence, given clearly and credibly in court, the Markes themselves have been exposed as the true liars.

“It does take courage to stand up to your abusers and give evidence in this way and I would like to express my respect and gratitude to the survivors for everything they have done to ensure the Markes are held responsible for their criminal actions. This abuse may have occurred some years ago, but that makes it no less serious and nor is it a barrier to justice. I would encourage anyone who has been abused in the past to come forward with the knowledge that the CPS will take your case seriously.”

Detective Constable Paula Wilson of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I am delighted that 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.