PAUL CLUTTON SENTENCED TO 21 YEARS IN PRISON IN STOKE-ON-TRENT FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES
Child rapist Paul Clutton has been sentenced to 21 years in prison.The 60-year-old committed a 'campaign of serious sexual offending' against a female victim.
He had denied the offences, which occurred during the 1990s, but was found guilty following a trial.
During the sentencing hearing, a statement from Clutton's victim — who was a child at the time — was read out.
She shared that the trauma she endured led her to self-harm for most of her life and to attempt suicide multiple times, stating: "I have struggled deeply to maintain any type of relationship with a man.
I have lived with unbearable pain.
I've almost felt like I was on the run." Clutton, of London Road, Trent Vale, was convicted of three counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault.
The court noted that he had ten previous convictions, none of which were related to sexual offences.
Kelly Cyples, representing Clutton, said: "This is the first custodial sentence for the defendant and the first offence of this nature." Clutton showed no emotion as he was sentenced to the lengthy term.
Judge Sally Hancox told him: "You committed these offences in a campaign of serious sexual offending against the victim." She added that she believed the victim thought she was a 'bad egg' for many years and attempted suicide several times.
Her personal statement was praised for its honesty.
The judge also emphasized that there had been no apology or remorse from Clutton and stated: "The only sentence that can be passed is a lengthy period in custody.
It must be a sentence which reflects your terrible wrongdoing." Clutton will also be subject to the notification requirements of the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.
