PHILIP CLARE FROM WREXHAM SHOCKS COMMUNITY AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGER

In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the Wrexham community, Philip John Clare, a 59-year-old taxi driver from Connor Crescent in Hightown, Wrexham, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage girl during a routine pick-up from a local school.

According to court proceedings, the incident took place last November when Clare was tasked with transporting a student from a school within the Wrexham county borough. As soon as the teenager entered Clare’s vehicle, he began making inappropriate remarks, notably telling her, “you’re gorgeous,” which immediately raised concerns about his intentions.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson detailed that Clare also physically touched the girl by rubbing her arm, an act that made her feel uncomfortable and unsafe. The teenager, feeling uneasy about the situation, decided to record the remainder of the journey to document Clare’s behavior. During the ride, she expressed her exhaustion, saying, “I can’t wait to get to bed. I’m knackered,” to which Clare responded inappropriately, asking, “Can I come too?”

At the conclusion of the journey, Clare again called the girl “gorgeous,” further emphasizing his inappropriate conduct. When questioned during police interviews, Clare initially denied touching the teenager and dismissed the comments he made. However, the audio recording of the journey was played in court, which contradicted his denial. Faced with the evidence, Clare claimed that his comments were meant as compliments and insisted he was not attracted to the girl. He also admitted that his behavior was not appropriate, but argued he was simply trying to be friendly.

The court heard that the teenage girl was frightened by Clare’s actions, expressing her fear of further contact and stating she would avoid taking taxis from him in the future. On February 14, Clare pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault during a court hearing. His defense lawyer, Catherine Jagger, highlighted that Clare had no prior criminal record and that he had lost his job and taxi license as a consequence of the incident.

Sentencing considerations included a recommendation from the probation service for a 50-day rehabilitation program, which the court acknowledged was a serious intervention. Magistrates imposed a series of restrictions, including a curfew from 7 pm to 7 am for four months, and a five-year sexual harm prevention order. Clare is also required to register as a sex offender, pay £100 in compensation to the victim, and cover £85 in prosecution costs along with a surcharge of the same amount.

Magistrates’ chairman Catherine Wantling addressed Clare directly, emphasizing the importance of trust in the role of a taxi driver. She stated, “There is a high level of expectation of trust for taxi drivers. You were told to go and pick up a young individual from a school, who you knew to be ill, and you abused that trust and the expectation of trust that goes with it.” The case has left a lasting impact on the community and highlights the critical need for accountability and safeguarding in roles of public trust.