PAUL CLARE FROM LITTLE HALLINGBURY SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR RAPE IN BRAINTREE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Little Hallingbury and the surrounding areas, Paul Clare, aged 43, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of eight years for the heinous crime of raping a teenage girl. The assault took place in the town of Braintree on the evening of November 20, 2004, when the young victim, just 16 years old at the time, was walking home after visiting a local club.

Clare's arrest came swiftly on the night of the incident, leading to his subsequent charging and detention. His initial trial in 2005 was abruptly halted due to his sudden illness, which prevented proceedings from continuing at that time. Despite this setback, justice was eventually served when Clare was found guilty during a subsequent trial held in March of the following year.

The sentencing took place at Ipswich Crown Court, where Clare was ordered to serve a minimum of eight years behind bars. Additionally, he will be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crime and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.

Det Supt Colin Steele, who led the investigation into the case, expressed his relief and satisfaction with the outcome. He stated, “The past two years have been a traumatic time for the young woman attacked by Clare, and I am pleased that the sentence that has been passed down reflects the severity of the crime that he committed.”

He further commended the victim’s resilience, noting, “The victim has had to give evidence in court twice and has shown admirable strength and resilience. She can at least now spend time recovering with her family knowing Clare is safely locked up.”