MATTHEW CLARK FROM BOSTON ESCAPES PRISON AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON YOUNG BOYS

In July 2021, a disturbing case involving Matthew Clark, a resident of Boston, Lincolnshire, came to light as he was found to have committed serious sexual offenses against two young boys. Clark, aged 39 at the time, was accused of abusing the children during their visits to his home, where they played games and stayed overnight. The court proceedings revealed that Clark engaged in inappropriate conduct on multiple occasions, including placing his hand down the victims' pants and asking one if he wanted a "rub".

Following the victims' disclosures to their parents, Clark was formally charged with and subsequently pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13. The incidents spanned over two years, specifically in 2019 and 2020, and involved Clark sexually assaulting the children on seven separate occasions. The abuse often occurred while the children sat on his lap during game sessions or when he believed they were asleep, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior.

The court heard that Clark had fostered a long-standing attraction to young boys, which contributed to the breach of trust and the severity of his actions. Prosecutor Laura Pitman emphasized that Clark's conduct represented a gross violation of the innocence and safety of the children involved. The case was further complicated by the circumstances surrounding Clark's arrest in February 2020, when police discovered a suicide note in his possession. Clark was subsequently admitted to the mental health unit at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, where he disclosed experiencing intrusive sexual thoughts about children and expressed a desire for these thoughts to cease.

During his time at the hospital, Clark confided in his mother that he had been plagued by sexual thoughts about boys for as long as he could remember. He also expressed fears that everyone would hate him once his actions were known, revealing the profound psychological distress he was experiencing. His sister was also told about his internal struggles, adding a personal dimension to the case.

In sentencing at Derby Crown Court, Judge Shaun Smith acknowledged Clark's mental health issues and the potential for rehabilitation. Instead of imprisonment, Clark was given a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, Clark was subjected to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), a six-month curfew from 7 pm to 7 am, 180 hours of unpaid community service, and was ordered to attend 45 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement sessions. The judge emphasized that these measures aimed to protect the public and address Clark's psychological needs, recognizing that incarceration might not facilitate his rehabilitation effectively.