JOHN WILLIAM CLARK SENTENCED IN SHETLAND FOR DECADES OF ABUSE IN BRESSAY AND LERWICK

A man from Bressay, John William Clark, has been sentenced to over three years in prison following a series of serious abuse allegations spanning more than two decades. The case, which has garnered significant attention within the local community, was heard at Lerwick Sheriff Court, where Clark, aged 52 and residing at Schoolhouse, Bressay, pleaded guilty to a total of 13 charges related to abuse and assault.

These charges encompassed both individual incidents and ongoing patterns of harmful behavior that took place between 1992 and 2013. The offenses were committed at various locations across Shetland, predominantly in Bressay, but also in Lerwick and other parts of the archipelago. The court was told that the abuse involved a woman and two young girls, with the acts including physical violence, intimidation, and emotional abuse.

Prosecutor Duncan Mackenzie detailed the disturbing nature of the offenses, which included assaulting the woman, locking the two girls out of a house during snowy weather, and physically hitting one of the children with a rolled-up newspaper. He also described incidents where Clark struck the children with a cloth used for cleaning up after a baby sick, kicked one of the children, and jammed a car door shut on the leg of the other as they attempted to exit a vehicle. During a separate altercation, Clark reportedly grabbed one of the girls by the neck and pushed her to the ground over a disagreement involving a vacuum cleaner. On another occasion, he hit the same girl with her own bag.

One particularly alarming incident took place at Bressay Public Hall, where Clark allegedly seized the woman by the neck and pinned her against a wall, requiring intervention from others present. The court heard that Clark was often aggressive, shouting and swearing at his victims either alone or in front of others. His behavior was described as threatening and intimidating, creating an environment of fear and distress for those involved.

Throughout the proceedings, it was emphasized that Clark had made threats and behaved aggressively on multiple occasions, breaching peace and causing significant alarm among his victims. The court was also informed that his conduct extended beyond physical abuse, contributing to a climate of ongoing intimidation and fear.

Defense lawyer Neil Wilson argued that there was no evidence to suggest Clark exerted control over his victims or dictated their actions and associations. He highlighted that Clark had maintained steady employment and was involved in voluntary work, supporting his family financially. Wilson presented 33 character references, including one written with the knowledge of Clark’s actions against his victims, in an attempt to portray him in a more favorable light.

Wilson contended that a custodial sentence was unnecessary, asserting that Clark was unlikely to reoffend and was aware of the gravity of his actions. He emphasized that Clark was remorseful and that the case’s complexity warranted careful consideration. As a result, the court adjourned the sentencing until the afternoon to allow for a thorough review of the arguments presented.

Upon resuming, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank stated that, after careful deliberation, he saw no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence. Clark was sentenced to 40 months in prison and was also issued a non-harassment order to prevent any further contact with his victims. The sheriff acknowledged the case’s high profile within the local community, noting that it would likely provoke intense reactions and discussions on social media about the appropriateness of the sentence. Sheriff Cruickshank concluded by emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses and the importance of justice for the victims in Shetland.