MARK CLAPSON CAWKWELL HILL SHOCKER: LOUTH MAN SENTENCED FOR FILMING GIRLS AND POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY NEAR LINCOLN

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Mark Clapson, a 39-year-old resident of Cawkwell, near Louth, was convicted and sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court for a series of heinous crimes involving the exploitation and abuse of minors. The case unfolded after police investigations revealed that Clapson had secretly installed a covert camera on Cawkwell Hill, which he used to film young girls without their knowledge or consent.

Authorities acted swiftly following a tip-off, leading to a search of Clapson’s residence. During the search, law enforcement officials uncovered an alarming collection of digital evidence. On multiple devices belonging to Clapson, investigators found over 30,000 indecent images of children, a staggering number that underscores the extent of his offending. Prosecutor Luc Chignell detailed the findings, stating, “There were indecent images of children on several devices. In addition to that, officers found images which it is clear the defendant was responsible for taking using a hidden camera.”

Chignell further emphasized that Clapson’s own admissions confirmed his sexual interest in children, which he acted upon through these illegal activities. The court heard that Clapson had admitted to three counts of voyeurism and three counts of producing indecent images of children. These charges included the creation of a total of 31,213 indecent images, alongside possession of 24 extreme pornographic images depicting highly offensive content involving animals.

Clapson’s criminal record was laid bare in court, revealing a pattern of disturbing behavior. Between April 2019 and March 2020, he made thousands of indecent images across various categories, including 1,690 images each in Category A and B, and a staggering 28,463 images in Category C. The images depicted children in various states of sexual exploitation, highlighting the severity of his offenses. Additionally, in March 2020, he was found in possession of images portraying sexual acts with live animals, specifically dogs, which is considered particularly grotesque and offensive.

Further charges detailed that Clapson recorded private acts of others without their consent, with the intent of deriving sexual gratification. These recordings spanned from December 2017 to October 2020 and involved three separate incidents. He also took indecent photographs of children during this period, adding to the gravity of his crimes.

In court, Clapson pleaded guilty to all ten charges, which included making indecent images, possessing extreme pornography, voyeurism, and recording private acts without consent. His guilty plea was entered at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on March 4, and he was granted conditional bail pending sentencing.

Judge John Pini QC delivered a stern judgment, condemning Clapson’s actions and emphasizing the devastating impact on the victims. “The lives of the victims who had been secretly filmed have been shattered,” the judge stated. “This has had an absolutely devastating effect.”

Clapson was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison. He was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and subjected to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order. The devices used to access and store the illegal images were ordered to be forfeited and destroyed, ensuring they could no longer be used or circulated.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious activity. The community of Cawkwell and the wider Lincolnshire area will undoubtedly be affected by the revelations of Clapson’s crimes, which serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who abuse their trust and exploit vulnerable victims.