LESLEY CLARKSON'S SHOCKING CRIME IN PLYMOUTH AND TAVISTOCK: PENSIONER'S EIGHT-YEAR BAN LIFTED AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has drawn significant attention within the communities of Plymouth and Tavistock, Leslie Clarkson, a 75-year-old resident of Alexandra Road, Mutley, faced serious legal repercussions following his inappropriate conduct involving a young girl. The incident, which occurred in September of the previous year, involved Clarkson repeatedly kissing a 12-year-old girl and making suggestive comments, including telling her, “I like kissing, you do too, you like kissing me.”

Clarkson’s actions were reported to the authorities, leading to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings. During the investigation, Clarkson claimed he did not have any sexual intentions, but he acknowledged that his behavior was ‘concerning’ and may have caused her distress. The court heard that this was not his first encounter with allegations of inappropriate behavior towards young girls, as police had previously received complaints about his conduct in 2008 and 2012 involving other minors.

In December of the previous year, Clarkson was convicted at Plymouth Crown Court of sexual assault on a child under 13. Judge Paul Darlow sentenced him to a suspended prison term of 18 weeks, and he was ordered to register as a sex offender. Additionally, Clarkson was prohibited from entering Tavistock on Saturdays for a period of eight years and was barred from going within 400 yards of the victim’s residence. The court emphasized that Clarkson’s actions had a lasting psychological impact on the young girl, leaving her feeling “vile and disgusted,” and causing her ongoing emotional distress.

Furthermore, Clarkson’s behavior prompted the court to impose a sexual offences prevention order, which included restrictions on his contact with the victim and other girls under 16. Despite these measures, the court recognized that the blanket ban on his presence in Tavistock was excessive and unnecessary. The appeal court, led by Mrs Justice Cox and Judge Clement Goldstone QC, reviewed the case and decided to lift the eight-year restriction on Clarkson’s entry into Tavistock. They argued that the passage of time and the victim’s increasing maturity could serve as natural healing factors, reducing the need for such a broad restriction.

The judges also reduced the previous ban preventing Clarkson from being within 400 yards of the victim’s home to just one year. They clarified that the primary concern was to prevent any contact with the victim or other minors, which could be effectively managed through specific court orders. The court highlighted that Clarkson had moved away from Tavistock immediately after his arrest, and both he and his wife, who also suffers from ill health, were elderly. The court emphasized that the original restrictions did not sufficiently consider the potential for recovery and the importance of allowing Clarkson to return to his community and home environment.

In their ruling, the judges stressed that the risk Clarkson posed could be adequately managed through targeted restrictions rather than sweeping bans. They underscored the importance of proportionality in sentencing and restrictions, noting that overly broad bans could be both oppressive and unnecessary. Clarkson’s legal team argued that the restrictions were disproportionate and hindered his ability to return to his residence, which was a significant concern given his age and health status. The court ultimately agreed, emphasizing that the primary goal should be to protect the public while allowing for the possibility of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.