SOUTHAMPTON UNIVERSITY LECTURER DAVID CLARKE CONVICTED OVER CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN HAMPSHIRE
In July 2014, David Clarke, a 46-year-old senior psychology lecturer at Southampton Solent University, was convicted for possessing and distributing indecent images of children.Clarke was targeted in an international police sting operation designed to combat child abuse online.
During the investigation, Clarke believed he was communicating with another paedophile; however, he was actually communicating with a law enforcement agent.
This agent had lured him into exchanging disturbing images of children.
The case was so traumatic that one officer involved in the investigation had to take a break due to the distress it caused.
Clarke was arrested at his residence on Medina Road, Shirley, where he lived with his partner and their three young children.
Authorities examined his laptop and a memory stick, uncovering approximately 1,800 images depicting children as young as three being subjected to bondage, rape, and sadistic acts.
Prosecutor Tom Wright informed the city crown court that Clarke had used chatroom aliases such as Davyboy, Emma Watson 27, and Kirstyandlouise.
Clarke refused to cooperate with police by providing his passwords, making it impossible for authorities to determine the full extent of his online activity.
Clarke admitted to 20 charges related to making, possessing, and distributing both still and moving images between summer 2009 and November 2013.
He pleaded guilty at his initial hearing; however, his sentencing was postponed following an attempt at suicide.
Judge Peter Henry commented on the case, stating: “The images concern a high number of different victims and there was a deliberate and systematic searching of the Internet for images for your sexual gratification.
You deny you find children sexually attractive but in my view, sexual gratification is at the forefront of your offending.” The judge acknowledged Clarke's mental health problems, including depression and alcoholism, but emphasized that he could not be excused from understanding the harm caused to children.
Defence lawyer Stephen Tricker noted that Clarke had “strayed” into viewing such material while exploring other interests online and subsequently visiting adult sites.
Tricker emphasized that Clarke had shown remorse, was aware of the shame he had brought to his family, and was motivated to participate in treatment programs.
He described Clarke's mental state as “self-destruction is complete.” Clarke was sentenced to 30 months in prison, placed on the sex offenders register, and prohibited from working with children.
A sexual offences prevention order was issued, restricting his Internet usage and forbidding him from being alone with children unless supervised with knowledge of authorities or the child's parent.
Following the case, a Southampton Solent University spokesperson stated: “The individual concerned has not been present or teaching at the university for many months now.
The university was first notified of this issue last week and has already put in place steps to address this as a matter of urgency.”
