PAUL CLEMENT FROM CROXDALE AND HETTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Croxdale and Hetton, Paul Clement, a 41-year-old football coach, has been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The incident, which took place in March of this year, involved Clement grooming a 15-year-old girl through social media and subsequently having sexual relations with her while she was heavily intoxicated.

According to court proceedings, Clement, a father of three residing on Salvin Street in Croxdale, Durham, began his inappropriate communication with the girl in October via Facebook. During their private messages, he made comments such as “if only you were older” and “you’re too pretty to be single,” indicating a clear interest in her despite knowing her age. The prosecution, led by Gavin Doig, emphasized that Clement’s actions were premeditated and that he took advantage of the girl’s vulnerability.

The court clarified that the offenses did not occur during his tenure as a football coach. Instead, the incident happened at his former residence on Ennerdale Street in Hetton le Hole, near Houghton le Spring. On that day, the girl was so intoxicated that she vomited and was described as “heavily under the influence of alcohol,” wobbling as she attempted to walk. Despite her impaired state, Clement engaged her in sexual intercourse and other sexual acts. It was acknowledged that the encounter was “consensual,” but the court highlighted that Clement was fully aware of her age and had supplied her with alcohol, which compounded the seriousness of his misconduct.

During the hearing, Mr. Doig pointed out that Clement accepted he knew she was only 15 at the time and admitted to the sexual encounter. The court was told that Clement’s behavior was “out of character” and unlikely to be repeated, with the prosecution suggesting that he had no previous convictions and was regarded as a person of good character, with positive references from the community.

Mitigating the situation, Robert Spragg, Clement’s defense lawyer, stated that his client was “thoroughly ashamed” of his actions. Judge Brian Forster, presiding over the case, emphasized that the victim’s age and intoxicated condition placed Clement in a position of trust that he exploited. The judge also noted Clement’s active involvement in the local community, particularly his dedication to coaching a football team, which made his actions all the more damaging.

In sentencing, Judge Forster acknowledged Clement’s remorse and regret but emphasized that his interest and obsession with the girl led to a breach of trust. The judge stated, “You clearly knew her age. There was contact on Facebook, and that contact makes it clear to me you were interested in her and you allowed a situation to come about whereby you engaged in sexual activity with her.”

As part of his sentence, Clement will be placed on the sex offenders register for ten years. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of the offense, especially given the breach of trust involved and the vulnerability of the victim.