TRAVIS CLARK OF KNOWLE SENTENCED FOR MOLESTATION OF VULNERABLE TEENAGE GIRL IN BRISTOL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Travis Clark, a 40-year-old man from Wells Road in Knowle, was sentenced to 20 months in prison after pleading guilty to two serious sexual assault charges involving a teenage girl. The incidents took place in July 2012 and involved Clark taking advantage of a vulnerable 17-year-old girl in a manner that has left a lasting impact on her.

According to court proceedings, Clark approached the young woman when they were alone and engaged in inappropriate conduct. The court heard that he first kissed her without consent and then proceeded to touch her in a sexual manner. The court was informed that Clark was intoxicated at the time, which contributed to his reckless behavior. The victim, who was described as vulnerable, was subjected to a distressing ordeal that she tried to resist, telling Clark to stop multiple times. Despite her protests, Clark continued his assault, rubbing her stomach and kissing her again, actions that caused her significant distress.

The incident escalated when other people appeared nearby, prompting the girl to jump off Clark and leave the scene. The matter was promptly reported to the police, leading to Clark’s arrest and subsequent interview. During questioning, Clark claimed that the girl had flirted with him, and that their interactions had been consensual, asserting that nothing further had occurred. However, the evidence and victim testimony proved otherwise.

It was noted during the court hearing that Clark had no prior convictions related to sexual offenses, which was considered in his sentencing. His defense lawyer, Edward Burgess, highlighted that Clark had not been in trouble since January 1994 and emphasized his role as a father to three children aged 10, 8, and 6. Burgess also mentioned that Clark’s partner was expecting their fourth child in October and expressed concern for her well-being, as she had been on anti-depressants for the past three years.

During the sentencing, Judge Martin Picton described Clark’s behavior as persistent and unwelcome, especially considering the victim’s age and vulnerability. The judge emphasized the emotional and psychological damage caused to the young girl, describing her experience as terrible, upsetting, and damaging. Clark was also ordered to be banned from working with children for five years and was required to register as a sex offender for ten years. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the offenses and the need to protect vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior.