A Newcastle Sex Offender, Sam Clarke, has been jailed for four-and-a-half-years for sexually assaulting a woman whilst she slept. Sam Clarke, 23, assaulted the victim at a house party while she was asleep; upon awakening, she approached Clarke, who attempted to assert that the encounter was consensual and that she was conscious.
The courageous victim notified the police to report the incident, resulting in Clarke’s arrest and further interrogation regarding the allegation.
In November 2023, Sam Clarke was prosecuted, and in January, he was convicted of assault by penetration at Newcastle Crown Court.
On Friday, April 4, Sam Clarke, residing on Grange Road, Newcastle, appeared at the same court where he received a sentence of four years and six months in jail.
The victim shared these words to be read at Sam Clarke’s sentencing: “I thought that the worst part of what he did to me would have been over as soon as he was nowhere near me. However, I have realised over the course of the last two years that isn’t that easy. What happened has affected me every day since.”
“At first, I hardly spoke to anyone. I just couldn’t even begin to describe what was going on in my head. I really didn’t recognise who I was and that was all because of him.
“He has ruined the person I was before and has destroyed every aspect of my life since then.”
Sam Clarke will spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register and was handed a restraining order to protect the victim.
Speaking after Sam Clarke’s sentencing, Detective Constable Sarah Hails, of Northumbria Police, said: “I’d like to commend the immense bravery of the victim who reported what had happened to us, and allowed us to take immediate action.
“Her courage and determination has helped put a dangerous man behind bars where he belongs.
“Sam Clarke is a predator who did what he did while the victim had no knowledge of what was happening – until she woke up – and it is only right that he is now serving a significant length of time in prison for his deplorable actions.”
Det Con Hails added: “We hope the outcome sends a clear message to others who have committed or are considering committing these types of crimes – we will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.
“To anyone who feels they have any right to someone else’s body without their full and emphatic consent – you do not, and we will not tolerate it.
“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, or wants to share information, to get in touch.
“Please know that we will listen to you.”
To access support or find out more information on how to disclose sexual assault or rape, visit Northumbria Police’s website.
Anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, can also send the Force a direct message on social media.
Anyone unable to report this way should call 101.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.