PAUL CLARKE FROM FLECKNEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN LEICESTER

In a case that has spanned over two decades, Paul Clarke, a 45-year-old man from Fleckney, has been sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to multiple charges of sexual misconduct involving a minor. The offences took place during 1994 and 1995, when Clarke engaged in inappropriate sexual activities with a 15-year-old boy, who was then a student. The court proceedings revealed that there was an eight-year age difference between Clarke and his young victim, highlighting the significant power imbalance and the gravity of the abuse.

Leicester Crown Court heard that the victim, who came forward in April 2014, reported the incidents to the police after many years of silence. Prosecutor Gregor Purcell detailed that the allegations involved sexual activity on two separate occasions, which had a lasting impact on the survivor. In a heartfelt victim impact statement, the man described how the abuse had profoundly affected his trust in others and his ability to form healthy relationships. He explained that he had kept his emotions bottled up for many years, unable to confide in anyone about what had happened.

The victim also expressed a desire for Clarke to understand the extent of the harm caused. He stated, “I look back and realise the impact this has had upon me. I’d like him to hear my words and show Paul the effect his actions have had on my life.” The survivor revealed that he sought counselling five months after reporting the abuse, marking the first time he received professional help to process his trauma.

During the trial, Clarke’s partner provided a witness statement, revealing that he was suffering from depression and depended heavily on Clarke for emotional support and medication management. The partner expressed concern that if Clarke were to be imprisoned, he feared he would relapse into his mental health struggles, stating, “He cares for me and gives me my medication. If Paul goes down today I fear I’ll go off the tracks again.”

Judge Robert Brown delivered the sentence, emphasizing the seriousness of the offences. He pointed out that Clarke was in his early twenties when he committed the acts and that the victim was only 15 at the time, making it clear that this was a case of child abuse. The judge acknowledged that the victim was vulnerable, confused about his sexuality, and at a critical stage in his teenage years, which made him particularly susceptible to exploitation. Although Clarke did not commit rape, the judge described his actions as a significant act of sexual abuse.

Judge Brown noted that Clarke had ceased his offending after the two incidents and had not committed any similar offences in the subsequent 20 years. He also recognized that Clarke had moved on with his life and that the memory of these crimes might be distant for him. However, the impact on the victim was profound and enduring. The judge commended Clarke’s late guilty plea, which spared the victim from having to testify in court.

In addition to his prison sentence, Clarke was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in place indefinitely. His name will also be entered onto the sex offender register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. The court acknowledged the emotional pain that Clarke’s partner would endure as a result of his incarceration, but emphasized that justice must be served for the harm inflicted upon the young victim.