WIGAN MAN STEPHEN CLARKE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 6-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN HER OWN HOME
In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Wigan, Stephen Clarke, a 29-year-old man from Clapgate Lane in Goose Green, has been sentenced to four years in prison for sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl in her own home.The assault took place while the young girl was peacefully sleeping, and the incident has left her family devastated and seeking justice.
Clarke was brought before Bolton Crown Court this week, where he was found guilty of non-penetrative sexual assault on a female under the age of 13.
The court heard compelling evidence, including DNA analysis, which linked Clarke to the crime scene.
The jury, after reviewing the evidence, convicted him of the charges, marking a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the young victim.
The court proceedings revealed that Clarke had attended a social gathering at the home of the girl’s father, an acquaintance, during which he consumed a large amount of alcohol and became heavily intoxicated.
During the course of the evening, the girl’s father put her to bed in another room, covering her with a duvet because she did not want to sleep upstairs alone.
The father checked on his daughter a few times during the night, ensuring she was safe.
However, the situation took a sinister turn when the girl’s father returned to find Clarke under the duvet, with his legs protruding from beneath it.
The court heard that Clarke had approached the sleeping girl and removed her pyjama bottoms.
He was discovered on his knees with his head under the duvet, a position that caused alarm and horror for the family.
The girl’s father, upon witnessing this, immediately threw Clarke out of the house and contacted the authorities, demonstrating commendable restraint in a highly distressing situation.
During the sentencing, Judge Timothy Stead emphasized the gravity of the offense.
He stated, “Whilst highly intoxicated and whilst a guest in that house, he made his way into a downstairs room where she had been put down to sleep for the night.
Her father had placed a duvet over her because she was tired and she was asleep when the defendant approached her.
He removed the victim’s pyjama bottoms.
He was found on his knees with his head under the duvet.
He was found by the child’s father.” The court also heard from the victim’s father, who expressed his anguish and frustration.
He described how Clarke ran off down the street after being confronted and questioned why Clarke did not go directly to the police if he was innocent.
The father’s account underscored the trauma inflicted on his family and their desire for justice.
The impact on the young girl was also discussed in court.
Her parents provided a victim impact statement, revealing that she had become “very clingy” and exhibited behavioral problems at school and at home in the weeks following the assault.
She was described as an “intelligent and thoughtful child,” but one who had been deeply troubled by what had happened.
The court noted that she was scheduled to receive counseling to help her cope with the trauma.
Judge Stead highlighted the vulnerability of the child, stating, “The child was particularly vulnerable being put down to sleep in her own house.
I cannot stress too clearly that this is in the one place where this child, as with all children, should feel at her safest.
She is an intelligent and thoughtful child but she’s been troubled by what has happened.
Her two parents have been greatly distressed too.” Given the severity of the offense, the judge sentenced Clarke to the maximum term of four years in custody.
Additionally, he imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits Clarke from having any contact with female children under 16 or residing in the same house as them, except for his own daughter.
Clarke’s actions and the subsequent legal proceedings have left the community and the victim’s family seeking closure and justice.
Clarke’s family expressed their relief at the sentence, with the girl’s mother stating, “We can’t believe he got the maximum sentence.
We were expecting two years so this is really good.
We are made up with four years.” The case has also prompted discussions about safeguarding and the importance of protecting vulnerable children from harm in their own homes and communities.
