MICHAEL CLARKSON FROM LANCASTER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGERS

In March 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Michael Clarkson, a 27-year-old man from Greenset Close, Lancaster, who was found guilty of heinous crimes against minors. Clarkson was convicted of inciting a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity and of sexually exploiting a 13-year-old girl through online communications. His actions have sent shockwaves through the local community and highlighted the dangers of online grooming and exploitation.

Clarkson was sentenced to seven years in prison after he admitted to inciting a child to participate in sexual acts. In addition to his custodial sentence, Judge Philip Parry imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), aiming to prevent any future offenses and protect potential victims from his predatory behavior.

The court proceedings revealed that Clarkson’s first victim was described as “an insecure and vulnerable young girl.” The prosecution detailed how Clarkson initially established contact with her through her online Xbox account while she was playing the popular game Grand Theft Auto 5. Despite being warned off by her older brother, who discovered the communication, Clarkson continued to pursue her, displaying obsessive and jealous tendencies towards both victims. He even went as far as proposing marriage to them, which underscored his inappropriate and manipulative behavior.

Regarding the second victim, a 13-year-old girl, the court heard that her family noticed a significant change in her behavior. Her mother observed that she was becoming secretive and acting out of character, raising concerns about her well-being. Her brother intervened by sending a message to Clarkson, reminding him that his sister was only 13 and that his contact was entirely inappropriate. Clarkson’s online persona, known by the nickname ‘Frosty,’ was also identified through internet evidence, including a distinctive blue-haired appearance with snake-like piercings.

The court was presented with messages exchanged between Clarkson and the 13-year-old girl, including a disturbing plan to meet during the summer holidays and engage in sexual activity in a swimming pool’s changing rooms. The girl later disclosed in an interview that Clarkson had performed sexual acts over a video messenger and had encouraged her to do the same. The emotional toll on her was profound; she revealed that she had engaged in self-harm due to feelings of guilt and shame, believing she was responsible for the exchanges and feeling sorry for her family who had read their messages.

Prosecutor Emma Keogh emphasized the severity of the case, stating that the evidence clearly identified Clarkson as the individual behind the online persona with the distinctive appearance. The court also heard that Clarkson had groomed a 15-year-old girl, whom he later raped. Due to legal restrictions, the identities of both young victims remain protected. Clarkson’s actions have left a lasting impact on the victims and serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators operating within communities like Lancaster.