LEON CLARKSON AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN SUNDERLAND
A disturbing incident involving sexual assault took place on a Metro train traveling from Gateshead to South Shields, leaving a woman in a state of shock and confusion.According to court proceedings, the woman, who had taken prescription medication that caused her to lose consciousness, was unaware of what transpired during the journey until she was informed by police.
The events occurred on the evening of April 19 of the previous year.
The victim, after consuming medication including three diazepam tablets, became drowsy and ultimately passed out while on the train.
During this vulnerable state, she was subjected to inappropriate acts by Leon Clarkson, a 21-year-old man from Houghton, Sunderland.
Witnesses aboard the train observed Clarkson repeatedly placing his hand down her leggings despite her being unresponsive and unable to sit up.
These witnesses felt uncomfortable witnessing Clarkson’s actions and took steps to alert authorities.
One alert passenger decided to message her boyfriend, who then contacted the police.
The witness described Clarkson's behavior, noting that Clarkson told others he was her boyfriend and claimed she had had a joint, suggesting her mother was coming to pick her up.
It was only when Leeds police arrived that the extent of the victim’s condition was understood.
She was noticeably drowsy and disoriented due to her intake of medication, prompting her to be taken to hospital for treatment.
The victim later recounted to Newcastle Crown Court that she had no memory of what happened during the incident.
She expressed feelings of shock and distress over her situation.
“I had taken medication before I got on the Metro and I have no recollection of what happened to me,” she said.
She further explained that learning about the assault from police made her feel physically sick and anxious.
The victim emphasized her vulnerability, stating, “I didn’t know who this man was.
I didn’t even know what was happening to me.
I was very vulnerable at that point and I think it’s terrible he could do that on a Metro in front of other people.” Her concerns extended to the possibility of Clarkson’s potential to harm others.
She expressed fear that if he could commit such an act publicly among witnesses on a busy train, he might do something even worse to someone else.
Her sense of responsibility towards protecting other women and girls has grown — she now actively warns intoxicated women to get home safely.
Clarkson’s criminal history includes a previous conviction for committing a sex act on a bus, and he admitted to the charges of sexual assault during the court proceedings.
Newcastle Crown Court, presided over by Recorder Tahir Khan KC, was informed that Clarkson had taken advantage of the victim’s incapacitated state while she was at his mercy.
The judge stated, “The complainant was completely at your mercy and you took advantage of her by touching her when she clearly could not be consenting.” As part of his sentence, Clarkson was ordered to participate in a sex offender intervention program and was registered on the sex offenders’ register for a period of five years.
During the courtroom hearing, his defense lawyer, Jamie Adams, highlighted Clarkson’s vulnerabilities, citing his mental health issues and the fact that he was under the influence of cannabis at the time.
Adams also expressed remorse on Clarkson’s behalf, emphasizing that the young man had apologized for his actions.
This case underscores the serious nature of sexual misconduct occurring in public spaces, especially involving individuals in vulnerable states such as mental health struggles and intoxication.
The incident in Sunderland serves as a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance and the protections needed for those who are most at risk in everyday public transport.
