HORNSAY MAN STEVEN CLARKE SEXUALLY ASSAULTS 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL DURING CAMPING TRIP

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Hornsea, Steven Clarke, a 21-year-old man, was convicted of heinous crimes involving the exploitation and sexual assault of teenage girls. The incidents date back to the summer of 2017, when Clarke, then 19, befriended three girls aged 15 and 16 during a camping trip. Clarke, who was known locally in Hornsea, used his apparent financial stability and possession of a car to gain the trust of the young girls, presenting himself as a friendly and generous figure.

According to court records, none of the girls had prior experience with Class A drugs, but Clarke persuaded all three to try cocaine for the first time. Once they became addicted, Clarke exploited their vulnerability by demanding sexual favors in exchange for supplying them with drugs and alcohol. His manipulative tactics included controlling their access to substances and coercing them into performing sexual acts, which he justified by claiming he deserved such favors because of his generosity.

The court proceedings revealed a particularly disturbing incident during a camping trip, where Clarke provided a girl with so much alcohol that she passed out inside a tent. While she was unconscious, Clarke sexually assaulted her. The assault was only halted when a friend of the victim intervened, removing her from the scene and preventing further harm. This act of intervention was crucial in stopping Clarke from continuing his assault.

During the trial at Hull Crown Court, Clarke admitted to attempting to supply cocaine to the girls and to the sexual assault of the 15-year-old girl. As a result, he was sentenced to four years in prison. The court heard how the girls' relationships with their families deteriorated significantly due to their drug addiction, leading to a breakdown in communication and trust. Their addiction also caused them to cease attending school, further complicating their recovery process.

Now, after a period of rehabilitation and recovery, the girls are beginning to rebuild their lives. The case has brought to light the dangers of exploitation and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable youth in communities like Hornsea, where such incidents can have lasting impacts on young lives and their families.