ALLAN CLAFTON SENTENCED IN YORK FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND VOYEURISM

In November 2009, Allan Clafton, a man from York, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious offences involving a young girl. The court heard that Clafton, aged 42 at the time, had committed a series of disturbing acts against a girl who was only 11 or 12 years old. These acts included repeated sexual assaults, the placement of a hidden camera in her bedroom, and making inappropriate comments about future sexual activity.

The York Crown Court was informed that Clafton had a known relationship with the girl’s mother, and on occasion, he was left alone with the girl while her mother was visiting friends. It was during one of these times that the girl discovered the camera he had secretly installed in her room, which led her to reveal his actions to her mother. The prosecution, led by Sharon Beattie, emphasized the severity of the case, highlighting Clafton's persistent misconduct despite the girl’s efforts to discourage him.

Judge Stephen Ashurst, the Recorder of York, addressed Clafton directly, stating, “Your behaviour was persistent, although (the girl) tried to discourage you. The likelihood is that she is going to remember what has happened for many years to come.” The judge underscored the lasting impact of Clafton’s actions on the young victim.

Clafton, who resided in Clifton, York, pleaded guilty to seven charges of sexually assaulting a child, four counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and three counts of voyeurism. His guilty plea spared the young girl from having to testify in court. In addition to his prison sentence, Clafton was permanently banned from working with children and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

During the proceedings, Miss Beattie revealed that the girl had found it extremely difficult to discuss what had happened to her. She had even physically reacted to the abuse, punching and slapping Clafton during some of the incidents. One particularly disturbing comment made by Clafton was when he told the girl, “he was going to have sex with her when she was older.”

Damien Morrison, representing Clafton, explained that the defendant had chosen to plead guilty, thereby avoiding the trauma of giving evidence in court. Morrison also noted that Clafton had taken responsibility for his actions by asking the girl’s mother to contact the police once she confronted him about his misconduct.

Upon his release from prison, Clafton will be subject to a lifelong Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This order will prohibit him from being alone with any child unless supervised by a parent or guardian. He will also be barred from staying in any residence occupied by a child unless the responsible adult is aware of his sexual convictions. Furthermore, Clafton will be required to disclose his sexual past if he seeks to establish a relationship with an adult who has responsibility for a child, ensuring ongoing oversight and protection for potential victims.