A CHEF WHO CARRIED OUT SICKENING SEX ATTACKS ON A BOY HAS BEEN PUT BEHIND BARS.
James Clark showered his victim with luxurious gifts to try and buy his silence.According to Newcastle Crown Court, it was only many years later that the victim was able to summon the bravery to speak about what had happened.
Clark, who lives on Stoddart Street in South Shields, initially denied any involvement and claimed the allegations were false.
But on the day his trial was scheduled to proceed, the 39-year-old pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences, including three counts of oral rape, three counts of encouraging a child to engage in sexual acts, and one count of sexual activity with a minor.
The victim, now an adult, provided an impact statement saying, 'James Clark has, without question, ruined my life.' Judge Robert Adams sentenced Clark to 14 years and four months in prison.
He is also to be registered as a sex offender and must comply with a lifelong sexual harm prevention order.
The judge described the crimes as 'reprehensible abuse of a vulnerable child.' It was also revealed that Clark has an existing conviction related to sexual activity involving a child.
During the hearing, Elizabeth Muir, representing Clark, stated that he had engaged in counselling and was working on mental health issues.
She described his past behaviour as 'utterly reprehensible,' but added that Clark now sees himself differently.
Ms.
Muir further explained that Clark was targeted by unknown individuals after a vigilante group posted details of his offences on social media.
