Disgraced councillor faces multiple criminal charges including burglary and sexual assault

DISGRACED COUNCILLOR FACES MULTIPLE CRIMINAL CHARGES INCLUDING BURGLARY AND SEXUAL ASSAULT

Patrick Joseph Clarke, a former councillor, was found guilty of multiple offences.

He pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman last December and was initially scheduled to be sentenced.

However, the court adjourned the sentencing to consider a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

In a separate case, Clarke was charged with burglary, criminal damage, and possession of a weapon in September.

The police linked him to the crimes after discovering forged cheques and signatures, amounting to nearly £2,000.

Clarke initially denied the allegations but later made full admissions during police questioning.

His defense lawyer stated he had repaid part of the stolen money and used the remainder for personal expenses, including rent and alcohol.

The judge noted the aggravating factors of prolonged fraud against a public organization but credited his guilty plea and clean criminal record.

His sentencing was postponed until October 29.