LESLEY DAVIES AND JOHN CLARKE FROM STRATTON INVOLVED IN CHILD INDECENCY CASE AT SWINDON CROWN COURT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Lesley Davies, a 28-year-old woman from Farrfield, Upper Stratton, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the production of indecent images involving young children. The charges stem from her involvement in filming children in various outdoor locations, including beaches at Studland in Dorset and Weston-super-Mare, over a period spanning from September 1992 to February 2003.

Davies appeared before Swindon Crown Court to admit her participation in these criminal activities. She acknowledged two counts of taking indecent photographs of children, a revelation that has sent ripples through the community and raised serious concerns about child safety and exploitation. Her former partner, John Clarke, aged 34, also from Farrfield, Upper Stratton, had previously confessed to a far more extensive series of offenses. Clarke admitted to 16 counts of creating indecent images of children, along with additional charges related to possessing such images.

During the court proceedings, Davies's defense attorney, Peter Henry, explained that the films her client accepted making were produced no later than 1998. He emphasized that Davies was not the primary photographer but was present during the filming, which he described as an act of reluctant participation. Henry stated, “She was a reluctant participant. She didn’t take them herself but being aware her boyfriend was taking them and by her continued presence she was providing cover. This was not for any gratification for herself; it was for the other party. She was involved in the filming on beaches. It was naked or semi-naked children playing on beaches.”

Clarke's involvement was even more extensive. He had previously admitted to taking indecent photographs of children at the Cotswold Water Park and filming young boys and girls at beaches and water parks while they played with their families. Police investigations uncovered a staggering collection of over 4,000 images stored on Clarke’s computer, including 15 videos, which were seized during a raid on his home. The operation was part of a national crackdown, prompted by intelligence from law enforcement officials in the United States.

Clarke faced multiple charges, including 16 counts of making indecent images of children, one count of possessing such images, and three specific charges related to creating indecent photographs at locations including Somerford Keynes, Studland, and Weston-super-Mare. The evidence revealed that the images ranged from less severe to some of the most obscene material imaginable. Prosecutor Colin Meeke highlighted that while some images might resemble family snapshots, the focus of the filming was on the children’s groin areas, indicating a disturbing intent behind the recordings.

Both Davies and Clarke have been ordered to register as sex offenders, a legal requirement that underscores the severity of their crimes and the ongoing concern for community safety. The case continues to draw attention to the dangers posed by individuals involved in the exploitation of children and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to combat such heinous activities.