GRAHAM CLARKE FROM GLENGORMLEY SENTENCED TO 9 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST VULNERABLE CHILD
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Glengormley Rapist
In January 2014, a significant case of child sexual abuse was brought before Belfast Crown Court involving Graham Clarke, a man residing in Glengormley, County Antrim. Clarke, aged 52 at the time, was convicted of multiple serious charges related to the sexual exploitation of a young girl, whose age ranged between 10 and 11 years old during the period of the offences. The court heard that Clarke had engaged in grooming behaviors, which included buying gifts such as JLS T-shirts and DVDs, as well as offering hot chocolate to the girl during visits to his home, actions that demonstrated a calculated effort to establish a trusting relationship with his young victim.
Prosecutor Amanda Brady outlined to the court that the victim, who had previously suffered a brain injury from a 2007 accident that resulted in a brain injury and subsequent seizures, was particularly vulnerable. The injury had left her with ongoing health issues, making her more susceptible to exploitation. The girl and her mother had moved into rented accommodation in Glengormley in 2009, and it was only after relocating to a hostel a year later that the sexual abuse allegations surfaced.
The victim confided in a friend that Clarke had been touching her inappropriately, specifically under her clothing, which she attempted to resist. This disclosure prompted her mother to become aware of the situation. The social worker involved in the case informed the mother that her daughter had made these allegations, leading to a confrontation with Clarke. During police interviews, Clarke admitted to touching the girl’s breasts and acknowledged previous convictions for similar offences, including a prior jail sentence in June 2001 for indecent assault on four girls. He also disclosed that he had been on the sex offenders’ register but was no longer listed and had served time in prison for sex crimes.
Further police investigations revealed that Clarke had a history of sexual offending, and during interviews, he admitted to repeatedly assaulting the girl whenever she stayed over at his house. He described the rape as lasting between five and ten minutes, stating he woke up to find the girl on top of him. The victim’s psychological assessment indicated she was suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, with a professional noting she would require ongoing therapeutic support for the foreseeable future.
The court recognized the grooming element in Clarke’s behavior, highlighting his efforts to build a relationship with the girl through gifts and shared activities. The prosecution emphasized that her vulnerability, her age, and her brain injury were aggravating factors. Clarke’s history of similar offences and his admission of a propensity for abusing young girls aged 6-18 further underscored the danger he posed to the public.
In mitigation, Clarke’s legal representatives acknowledged his responsibility but pointed out his age and previous convictions. The judge, Deputy Belfast Recorder Judge Corinne Philpott QC, emphasized that the victim was now under the care system and was currently hospitalized due to stress-induced seizures. The psychological report detailed her flashbacks, anxiety, and depression resulting from the abuse.
Considering all factors, the court sentenced Clarke to nine years in prison for the charge of rape, with concurrent sentences of three and four years for indecent and sexual assaults, respectively. The judge ordered Clarke to participate in a sex offenders’ treatment program while incarcerated, to prevent future offending. Additionally, Clarke was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, and restrictions were imposed to prevent him from contacting children under 16 or vulnerable adults. Upon release, he was required to reside at an approved address and was banned from visiting playgrounds, beaches, and family-oriented venues, reflecting the court’s efforts to protect the community from further harm.
Prosecutor Amanda Brady outlined to the court that the victim, who had previously suffered a brain injury from a 2007 accident that resulted in a brain injury and subsequent seizures, was particularly vulnerable. The injury had left her with ongoing health issues, making her more susceptible to exploitation. The girl and her mother had moved into rented accommodation in Glengormley in 2009, and it was only after relocating to a hostel a year later that the sexual abuse allegations surfaced.
The victim confided in a friend that Clarke had been touching her inappropriately, specifically under her clothing, which she attempted to resist. This disclosure prompted her mother to become aware of the situation. The social worker involved in the case informed the mother that her daughter had made these allegations, leading to a confrontation with Clarke. During police interviews, Clarke admitted to touching the girl’s breasts and acknowledged previous convictions for similar offences, including a prior jail sentence in June 2001 for indecent assault on four girls. He also disclosed that he had been on the sex offenders’ register but was no longer listed and had served time in prison for sex crimes.
Further police investigations revealed that Clarke had a history of sexual offending, and during interviews, he admitted to repeatedly assaulting the girl whenever she stayed over at his house. He described the rape as lasting between five and ten minutes, stating he woke up to find the girl on top of him. The victim’s psychological assessment indicated she was suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, with a professional noting she would require ongoing therapeutic support for the foreseeable future.
The court recognized the grooming element in Clarke’s behavior, highlighting his efforts to build a relationship with the girl through gifts and shared activities. The prosecution emphasized that her vulnerability, her age, and her brain injury were aggravating factors. Clarke’s history of similar offences and his admission of a propensity for abusing young girls aged 6-18 further underscored the danger he posed to the public.
In mitigation, Clarke’s legal representatives acknowledged his responsibility but pointed out his age and previous convictions. The judge, Deputy Belfast Recorder Judge Corinne Philpott QC, emphasized that the victim was now under the care system and was currently hospitalized due to stress-induced seizures. The psychological report detailed her flashbacks, anxiety, and depression resulting from the abuse.
Considering all factors, the court sentenced Clarke to nine years in prison for the charge of rape, with concurrent sentences of three and four years for indecent and sexual assaults, respectively. The judge ordered Clarke to participate in a sex offenders’ treatment program while incarcerated, to prevent future offending. Additionally, Clarke was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, and restrictions were imposed to prevent him from contacting children under 16 or vulnerable adults. Upon release, he was required to reside at an approved address and was banned from visiting playgrounds, beaches, and family-oriented venues, reflecting the court’s efforts to protect the community from further harm.