JAMIE CLARKE FROM STOKE-ON-TRENT SENTENCED FOR SHPO BREACH AND DRUG POSSESSION

Jamie Clarke, a 27-year-old sex offender from Stoke-on-Trent, found himself back in legal trouble following an incident that underscored ongoing concerns about his compliance with court orders and legal restrictions. The court heard that Clarke, who was under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), had been staying at a hostel after his recent release from prison when police officers conducted a routine check.

During this check, officers discovered Clarke in possession of a mobile phone, a device he was explicitly banned from possessing as part of his SHPO conditions. Despite the clear restrictions, Clarke initially denied having the phone when questioned by the police. However, subsequent investigations revealed that he was indeed in possession of the device, which he had failed to disclose. The police also found that Clarke was actively using Snapchat on the phone, a social media platform that could potentially be used to contact or communicate with others in violation of his court orders.

Further complicating the situation, Clarke refused to cooperate when asked to unlock the phone using his thumbprint while in custody. Instead of complying, he displayed defiance by snatching the device from the officers and hurling it against the wall of his cell. The act resulted in damage to both the phone and the tiles on the cell wall, causing unnecessary destruction and raising concerns about his attitude towards the restrictions placed upon him.

Clarke faced charges for breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order and for possession of a class B drug, cannabis. He pleaded guilty to both charges during the court proceedings. The judge, Graeme Smith, sentenced Clarke to a term of 10 months in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of his violations. The court was informed that Clarke had a history of breaching the terms of his SHPO, which was issued to prevent him from engaging in activities that could harm others. His previous violations included not disclosing the mobile device and damaging police property, actions that demonstrated a blatant disregard for the court’s orders.

Judge Smith highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of SHPOs, noting that breaches such as these are taken very seriously by the judiciary. The case served as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and enforcing restrictions on individuals like Clarke, especially given his prior record and repeated violations. The sentence aims to reinforce the importance of compliance and the consequences of failing to adhere to court-mandated restrictions, particularly for individuals with a history of sexual harm offenses in Stoke-on-Trent.