ALEX CLEARY SENT TO PRISON FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN ILFRACOMBE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Ilfracombe, a man identified as Alex Cleary has been sentenced to prison for serious sexual offences involving a young girl aged just 13 years old. The incident came to light after the girl’s parents discovered explicit messages exchanged between her and Cleary on their family computer, prompting them to alert the police. The case was heard at Exeter Crown Court, where it was revealed that Cleary, who has no fixed address but was residing temporarily in Ilfracombe at the time, pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a minor.

According to prosecutor Jonathan Barnes, Cleary initially met the young girl through another juvenile acquaintance. The two then began communicating via a social networking site, where explicit messages were exchanged. During police interviews, Cleary admitted to having had a sexual relationship with another girl, aged 14, although no formal charges or prosecutions have been pursued regarding that allegation. The court was informed that Cleary had invited the 13-year-old girl to visit an address in Ilfracombe where he was staying. The girl claimed she went there simply to chat, not expecting anything more, but the situation escalated.

Mr. Barnes explained that what followed was consensual, with the girl and Cleary sharing a hug, after which she kissed him and engaged in sexual activity. The court heard that after these events, the two shared a spliff together. The incident only came to light when the girl’s father discovered the explicit messages on their home computer and reported it to the police. Cleary was subsequently arrested, during which he claimed he had only intended to meet the girl in a friendly manner, although his memory of the events was vague. He also told officers that he had attempted to take his own life and expressed remorse for his actions.

During the hearing, it was noted that Cleary has no prior criminal record, aside from a reprimand for an unrelated matter. His defense team, led by Richard Crabb, presented letters from Cleary’s mother, grandfather, and doctor, painting a picture of a troubled and unstable life. The defense highlighted that Cleary had been moving between friends’ homes, lacked permanent accommodation, and suffered from social isolation, often associating with younger individuals. It was also revealed that Cleary was on antidepressants at the time of the offences and was deeply remorseful.

Judge Philip Wassall addressed Cleary directly, stating, “You deny that you were grooming her. You plainly were, knowing what followed. You took advantage.” The judge acknowledged Cleary’s difficult upbringing but emphasized that this did not excuse or diminish the severity of his actions against a girl just over 13 years old. As part of his sentence, Cleary was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for five years and was placed on the Sex Offender Register until further notice, marking a significant legal response to his crimes in Ilfracombe.