JOHN CLAPHAM FROM SNEYD GREEN SENTENCED AFTER SEXUAL OFFENSES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In June 2017, a disturbing incident involving John Clapham, a music teacher from Sneyd Green, came to light, revealing a pattern of inappropriate behavior towards a young girl. The case, which was brought before Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, detailed how Clapham, then aged 37, forcibly kissed a 13-year-old schoolgirl during a break from band practice, an act that has since sparked widespread concern and condemnation.

According to court proceedings, Clapham approached the girl and requested to speak with her privately before initiating the assault. He then forcibly kissed her, with witnesses describing the kiss as aggressive, akin to a 'ripping your clothes off' type. The victim recounted feeling the defendant's arms around her, touching her breast from the side, and hearing him express a desire to have sex with her. This incident took place in Sneyd Green, where Clapham was known to be involved in informal music teaching activities.

Following the assault, the girl reported the incident to the police in 2015. Her account led to Clapham's arrest and subsequent investigation. Prosecutor Kevin Grego outlined the details, stating, “The complainant described to police that they met at practice. She went outside on a break. The defendant approached her and asked her to come away from the people that she was with. She then said he kissed her with a 'ripping your clothes off' type kiss and she could feel his arms around her body touching her breast from the side. He told her that he wanted to have sex with her.”

It was also revealed during the court proceedings that Clapham had a prior conviction from 2011, when he was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to having sex with a 15-year-old girl. His previous offenses involved indecent assault, and he was placed on the sex offenders' register for ten years following that conviction. Clapham's role as a music teacher was described as 'informal,' but his actions led to him being 'banished' from the group after the incident.

Judge Paul Glenn addressed Clapham directly, emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct. “You’re now 37-years-old. At the time of the offence, the victim was just short of 14. What you did went far beyond the acceptable behavior of someone in that position, and you must have known that,” he stated. The judge acknowledged that Clapham had taken significant steps since his previous conviction and had complied with his license conditions, which contributed to the decision to impose a 12-month community order, including 140 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Clapham was prohibited from engaging in activities involving children and vulnerable adults.

Despite the leniency in sentencing, Clapham’s history of offending remains a serious concern. The court’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding minors and holding offenders accountable, regardless of their previous conduct. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals in positions of trust who abuse their authority, especially within community and educational settings in Sneyd Green and the wider Stoke-on-Trent area.