JOSHUA CLARKE SENTENCED IN CUMBRIA FOR MULTIPLE SEX OFFENCES INCLUDING BESTIALITY AND CHILD INDECENCY
A teenager has been sentenced following a series of severe sex crimes, including attempting to have sex with a dog.The 18-year-old, Joshua Clarke, admitted to various offences encompassing possessing indecent images of children and encouraging young teenage girls to perform sexual acts.
During the hearing at Carlisle Crown Court, it was revealed that Clarke encouraged two American girls, aged 13 and 14, to participate in sexual acts over the internet.
Prosecutor Gerard Rogerson explained, "Police became aware of images uploaded online which were traced back to Clarke's email address.
Officers went to his home, arrested him, and seized several electronic devices." Forensic analysis on the devices uncovered explicit sexual exchanges with the two girls, as well as numerous illegal images of children some depicting children as young as three years old.
These images, both still and moving, spanned a three-year period, with some classified as Category A, the most serious category.
Clarke also admitted to his attempt to have sexual intercourse with his dog, stating, "He had been unsuccessful, as the dog managed to defend itself," according to Mr Rogerson.
Defence solicitor Mark Shepherd provided a detailed emotional context, explaining that Clarke's supportive family has sought to understand what went wrong.
"Joshua was once a happy, bright, and bubbly boy but has become sullen, withdrawn, and socially isolated," said Mr Shepherd.
He suggested that bullying contributed to Clarke's withdrawal, leading him to seek solace online.
Clarke has since requested professional help, and Mr Shepherd argued it would be safe for him to be managed within the community.
Clarke, who resides on Macadam Way, Penrith, faced multiple charges, including causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to watch a sexual act, possessing extreme pornographic material, distributing indecent images of children, and attempting to have sex with a dog.
He also admitted to creating indecent images of minors.
Judge James Adkin sentenced Clarke to two years at a young offenders' institution, stating, "This offending is so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified." Additionally, Clarke is required to sign the sex offenders' register and comply with a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years.
He will also be reported to safeguarding authorities.
