NEILIE CLARK FROM INVERNESS SENTENCED TO 16 MONTHS FOR BREACHING SEX OFFENDER ORDERS

Neilie Clark, a known sex offender residing in Inverness, has been sentenced to a term of 16 months in detention after he was found to have violated court-imposed restrictions designed to prevent him from contacting minors and using internet-enabled devices. Clark, who is currently held on remand at Polmont Young Offender's Institution, was living in homeless accommodation on Church Street in Inverness at the time of the offences.

In February of this year, Clark was subjected to a Sexual Harm Protection Order (SHPO), which was intended to restrict his contact with children under the age of 16 and limit his access to certain electronic devices. The order was set to last for five years, with police and social workers overseeing compliance. However, mere weeks after the order was issued, Clark was found to have already breached its terms.

During a routine police check on March 15, officers visited Clark’s accommodation. When asked if he possessed any new devices, Clark claimed he did not, stating he only had a Nokia phone. However, police discovered another Nokia phone in his pocket that Clark had not disclosed. This raised suspicions about his adherence to the court’s restrictions.

Further violations came to light during a subsequent police visit on May 3. Officers inquired whether Clark was complying with the condition not to contact children under 16 without prior approval. Clark claimed he was following the rules but appeared nervous when a text message was received on his phone. Police examined his device and found a message addressed to 'Babe' and signed off with kisses, indicating a flirtatious or sexual tone.

Investigations revealed that Clark had been communicating with a girl in Perth for several months. The messages exchanged included flirtatious and sexual content, which directly contravened the restrictions of his SHPO. Clark admitted to chatting with the girl but maintained that he had made mistakes and expressed a desire to put things right. His case was adjourned for a background report to assess his circumstances and potential for rehabilitation.

During the hearing, Clark’s defense lawyer, Kevin Hughes, acknowledged the risks identified in the report but emphasized that there was a clear plan to protect the public and help Clark rehabilitate. Hughes pointed out Clark’s lack of candor regarding the devices he possessed but noted his remorse and willingness to change. He also highlighted that Clark had not yet completed the 'Moving Forward Making Changes' programme, which is designed to prevent reoffending, but stressed that this could not be done while Clark was in custody.

Hughes suggested that the court could consider deferring sentencing again to allow Clark to participate in the programme. If he failed to comply, the full extent of the court’s powers would remain available. However, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank rejected this proposal, emphasizing the seriousness of the breaches.

In his sentencing remarks, Sheriff Cruickshank stated, “Looking at all the circumstances, you breached the SHPO a few weeks after it was imposed by communicating sexually with a girl aged between 13 years and 16 years. The point in time has come that you have to accept responsibility for your actions. Any future offending is likely to lead to further custodial sentences.”

Clark’s sentence was backdated to May 9, the date he was remanded in custody. Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for a period of ten years, reflecting the court’s concern over his violations and the ongoing risk he poses to the public in Inverness and beyond.