GARY CLARK FROM FAREHAM AND SOUTHAMPTON SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Fareham and Southampton, Sergeant Gary Clark, aged 48, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The crimes spanned several years and included rape, indecent assaults, and acts of indecency, highlighting a disturbing abuse of power and trust.

Clark, who was a police officer based in Southampton, was convicted last month on a total of 17 charges. The court heard that he had been abusing the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, since she was just seven years old. The abuse continued over an extended period, with Clark assaulting her in Portsmouth, where the girl lived, and later in woodland areas after she turned 16.

The sentencing judge emphasized the severity of Clark’s crimes, stating, "Your offences are so serious that only a custodial sentence can be imposed. You have degraded yourself utterly." The court detailed that Clark had indecently assaulted the girl in Portsmouth over an eight-year period. After she reached the age of 16, Clark attacked her again, this time in the back of his car in a woodland area. The girl managed to escape from him, but Clark pursued her, forcibly dragging her back to the vehicle and compelling her to perform oral sex, which is now legally classified as rape.

The girl, whose identity remains protected, was initially too frightened to report Clark’s actions due to his position as a police officer. The court in Kingston, Surrey, heard that the trauma inflicted by Clark’s actions would have lasting effects on her for the rest of her life. The case has brought to light the disturbing abuse of authority and trust that Clark exploited during his career.

In addition to the rape charge, Clark was convicted of ten counts of indecent assault and six counts of indecency. His criminal conduct has led to significant consequences beyond his imprisonment. Upon release, Clark will be subject to three years of supervised probation. Furthermore, he has been banned from having any contact with children under the age of 16, placed on the Sex Offenders Register, and is facing a disciplinary inquiry by Hampshire Police.

Clark’s case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability within law enforcement agencies, especially when trust is betrayed by those sworn to protect the public. The community and the victim’s family await further developments as authorities continue to address the full extent of Clark’s misconduct.