STEWARD CLARK FROM CLYDEBANK SENT TO PRISON FOR SENDING EXPLICIT TEXTS TO 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN ALEXANDRIA

In a case that has shocked the local community, Stewart Clark, a 31-year-old resident of Clydebank, was sentenced to prison after he was found guilty of sending a series of sexually explicit messages to a 15-year-old girl in Alexandria. The incident took place over a span of four days in March 2016, specifically between the 20th and 24th, at an address on McColl Avenue in Alexandria.

According to court records, Clark’s actions involved repeatedly messaging the young girl with language that was clearly sexual in nature, with the intent of persuading her to engage in sexual activity. The messages were part of a disturbing pattern of communication that lasted several days, during which Clark attempted to manipulate the girl into a sexual encounter.

The case came to light when Clark pleaded guilty to the charges, and he appeared before Dumbarton Sheriff Court for sentencing. The prosecution, led by fiscal depute Scott Simpson, revealed that Clark had been placed on the sex offenders’ register following his guilty plea the previous month. However, it was noted that Clark failed to comply with the legal requirement to register himself within three days of being placed on the register.

During the hearing, Mr. Simpson explained that Clark was specifically ordered to register on July 7 but did not do so, believing he had a longer period to complete the registration. Defense lawyer Tom Brown argued that Clark had misunderstood the instructions, believing he had seven days instead of three, despite being provided with written guidance. Mr. Brown emphasized that Clark was advised to register immediately but mistakenly thought he had more time.

A social work report concerning Clark’s circumstances was also submitted for consideration during the hearing. The court was informed that Clark had previously been convicted of similar offenses, which influenced the decision to impose a custodial sentence.

In his sentencing remarks, Sheriff Pender described Clark’s conduct as deeply inappropriate and harmful. He stated, “You sent indecent, sexually explicit, text messages to a 15-year-old girl suggesting that you and she take part in sexual intercourse and encouraging her to do so. There is a need for deterrent sentences which express society’s distaste at this type of offending, and I am of the view that only a custodial sentence is appropriate.”

As a result, Clark was sentenced to nine months in prison. Additionally, he will remain on the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years. The court also admonished Clark for failing to inform police of his status under the Sexual Offences Act, a charge on which he was not convicted but was reprimanded for his oversight.

Clark’s address was listed as Jellicoe Street in Clydebank, and his actions have prompted calls for stricter enforcement of registration laws and greater awareness of the consequences of such offenses in the local community.