GARY CLARKE FROM HARSTON SENTENCED AFTER ATTEMPTED RAPE NEAR CAMBRIDGE

In October 2012, a disturbing incident unfolded involving a 41-year-old man named Gary Clarke from Harston, near Cambridge, who committed an attempted sexual assault against a 16-year-old girl. The events took a serious turn when Clarke, after attacking the young victim, chose to take responsibility for his actions by immediately contacting the police and informing them of the incident.

According to court proceedings, Clarke had approached the teenage girl and forcibly restrained her. He then pushed her onto a sofa, attempting to remove her underwear. During the assault, he covered her mouth with his hand as she began to scream, trying to silence her. Despite her efforts to defend herself with her feet and hands, Clarke persisted in his assaultive behavior. The court heard that he stopped his attack before attempting to assault her again, indicating a moment of hesitation or realization.

What set this case apart was Clarke’s subsequent actions. After the incident, he did not attempt to evade responsibility. Instead, he contacted the victim’s relatives, took her to them, and then voluntarily surrendered himself at Parkside Police Station in Cambridge. This act of immediate remorse and accountability was noted by the presiding judge, Gareth Hawkesworth, as highly unusual and indicative of Clarke’s character.

Prosecutor Sara Walker detailed the events, emphasizing Clarke’s assault on the girl and his attempt to silence her screams. She also highlighted that Clarke, who admitted to attempted rape, showed no clear motive for his actions, which appeared impulsive and out of character. Defense lawyer Melanie Benn expressed that Clarke was deeply remorseful and unable to explain his behavior, which he described as an impulsive act for which he had taken full responsibility. Benn also pointed out that Clarke’s remorse was evident in his interactions with probation officers and his own statements.

Judge Gareth Hawkesworth acknowledged the rarity of such immediate remorse and responsibility in cases of this nature. He remarked that Clarke’s actions—apologizing, taking the victim to her relatives, and voluntarily turning himself in—were signs of good character and decency, despite the gravity of the offense. The judge noted that the victim was undoubtedly traumatized by the incident.

As a result, Clarke was sentenced to three years in prison, with a deduction of 90 days for time already served on remand. Additionally, he was issued a sexual offences prevention order and required to register as a sex offender, reflecting the serious nature of his crime and the court’s commitment to public safety.