ALFRED CLARK FROM CLACTON SENTENCED FOR INDECENT ASSAULT AT JAYWICK AMUSEMENT ARCADE
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Clacton Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local community of Clacton, Alfred Clark, a 72-year-old resident of Old Road, was sentenced to six months in prison after being convicted of indecently assaulting an 11-year-old girl at a popular amusement arcade in Jaywick. The incident, which took place in April 1999, involved Clark engaging in inappropriate behavior towards the young girl while they were at the Sun Spot arcade, a well-frequented entertainment spot in the area.
According to court reports, witnesses observed Clark with the girl, who was sitting astride him during the incident. It was reported that Clark was seen kissing her full on the mouth and fondling her inappropriately. A visitor to the arcade became concerned when they saw the girl sitting on Clark, and the court was told that she appeared visibly uncomfortable during the encounter. Prosecutor Andrew Marshall detailed that Clark had his hand inside her top, and the girl was sitting in a position that suggested she was uncomfortable with what was happening.
The court heard that Clark, who was a frequent visitor to the arcade, had been seen on several occasions with the girl, whose identity is protected for legal reasons. During the trial, it was revealed that Clark had threatened the girl, warning her that he would tell the police she had broken into his car if she reported the incident. Following his arrest on April 10, Clark denied any improper conduct, claiming that any physical contact was innocent and that he might have cuddled her on some occasions without any malicious intent. He also accused a witness of having a grudge against him, asserting that their account was untruthful.
Judge Brian Watling QC presided over the case and emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable children in public entertainment venues. He stated that it was very unpleasant and difficult to sentence a man of Clark’s age and character but underscored the need for justice and deterrence. The judge highlighted that children at amusement arcades are particularly vulnerable and can easily become targets for predators. As part of his sentence, Clark was ordered to serve six months in prison and was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years.
Clark had previously denied two charges of indecent assault but was convicted on one count after the trial. The court had adjourned sentencing to await reports on his health and background. During mitigation, Sally Freeman, representing Clark, noted that he was in poor health and on various medications. She expressed that Clark was struggling to accept the verdict, maintaining his innocence and describing the assault as not the most serious, albeit aggravated by the victim’s age.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in places where children gather and the ongoing need to protect minors from exploitation and abuse in public entertainment venues.
According to court reports, witnesses observed Clark with the girl, who was sitting astride him during the incident. It was reported that Clark was seen kissing her full on the mouth and fondling her inappropriately. A visitor to the arcade became concerned when they saw the girl sitting on Clark, and the court was told that she appeared visibly uncomfortable during the encounter. Prosecutor Andrew Marshall detailed that Clark had his hand inside her top, and the girl was sitting in a position that suggested she was uncomfortable with what was happening.
The court heard that Clark, who was a frequent visitor to the arcade, had been seen on several occasions with the girl, whose identity is protected for legal reasons. During the trial, it was revealed that Clark had threatened the girl, warning her that he would tell the police she had broken into his car if she reported the incident. Following his arrest on April 10, Clark denied any improper conduct, claiming that any physical contact was innocent and that he might have cuddled her on some occasions without any malicious intent. He also accused a witness of having a grudge against him, asserting that their account was untruthful.
Judge Brian Watling QC presided over the case and emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable children in public entertainment venues. He stated that it was very unpleasant and difficult to sentence a man of Clark’s age and character but underscored the need for justice and deterrence. The judge highlighted that children at amusement arcades are particularly vulnerable and can easily become targets for predators. As part of his sentence, Clark was ordered to serve six months in prison and was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years.
Clark had previously denied two charges of indecent assault but was convicted on one count after the trial. The court had adjourned sentencing to await reports on his health and background. During mitigation, Sally Freeman, representing Clark, noted that he was in poor health and on various medications. She expressed that Clark was struggling to accept the verdict, maintaining his innocence and describing the assault as not the most serious, albeit aggravated by the victim’s age.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in places where children gather and the ongoing need to protect minors from exploitation and abuse in public entertainment venues.