LEEDS SEX OFFENDER PATRICK CLARKE STRIKES AGAIN IN LEEDS CITY CENTRE
In a disturbing series of incidents in Leeds, Patrick Clarke, a known sex offender, has once again drawn attention for his inappropriate and illegal behavior in the city.The latest episode occurred in September 2016, when Clarke exposed himself to a teenage girl in Leeds city centre, prompting serious concern and fear among local residents and authorities alike.
According to court reports, Clarke, who was already on bail for previous offences related to indecent exposure, approached the 17-year-old girl as she sat on a bench near the West Yorkshire Playhouse.
The girl initially thought Clarke was going to sit beside her, but instead, he passed by and entered some nearby arches.
Moments later, she heard disturbing grunting noises of a sexual nature and saw Clarke standing and engaging in a lewd act while looking directly at her.
Shocked and frightened, she immediately called 999, leading to Clarke fleeing the scene.
The girl later revealed that the incident had such a profound impact on her that she decided to quit her job in the area, citing her fear and discomfort as the primary reasons.
The court was informed that this was not an isolated event.
On May 16, a woman reported Clarke for indecently exposing himself in Kirkgate.
The following day, a man observed Clarke exposing himself outside the West Yorkshire Playhouse.
Then, on May 23, a taxi driver saw Clarke walking along near Leeds Parish Church, again exposing himself.
Clarke’s criminal history is extensive.
He has previously been convicted of sexual assault and indecent exposure, with a notable jail sentence of 20 weeks handed down last year for similar offences.
His past convictions date back to 2007, with subsequent offences occurring in 2009, 2011, 2012, and last year, illustrating a pattern of repeated misconduct.
Representing Clarke, solicitor Marlon Grossman acknowledged that his client was aware that a longer custodial sentence was likely.
Clarke, aged 59 and residing at Asket Crescent, Seacroft, Leeds, admitted to four charges of indecent exposure and was found guilty of a fifth charge by magistrates.
Judge Peter Collier sentenced him to 18 months in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of his repeated offences.
The judge highlighted Clarke’s criminal history, noting that his first conviction for indecent exposure was in 2007, and since then, he had committed similar offences multiple times, including in 2009, 2011, 2012, and last year.
The judge concluded by stating, “You recognize there must be another custodial sentence.” Earlier in his criminal career, in November 2012, Clarke was convicted of multiple sex offences, including sexual assault on a female, three counts of gross indecency with a child, and two counts of outraging public decency.
He was sentenced to three years in prison and was also placed on the sex offenders register, marking a long history of disturbing and illegal conduct in Leeds and beyond.
Following his latest sentencing, Clarke has been released from custody and has returned to Leeds, raising ongoing concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the justice system in preventing repeat offenders from reoffending in the community.
