February 2014
A pensioner who kissed a 12-year-old girl has been banned from Tavistock on Saturdays for 8 years
Leslie Clarkson, aged 75, is also banned from entering an approximate 400 yard radius of the victim’s house and received a suspended prison sentence of 18 weeks as well as being required to sign the sex offenders register.
Clarkson, of Alexandra Road, Mutley, previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13.
Sentencing him in Plymouth Crown Court, Judge Paul Darlow, said his actions had taken a profound effect on the young girl who her father said in a statement was now nervous and frightened.
The court heard that although Clarkson had no previous convictions, it was not the first time his actions with young people had cause for concern.
Judge Darlow said: “This is not the first time you have behaved inappropriately towards young girls.
“Previous incidents in 2008 when you were seen to be behaving inappropriately to a six-year-old.
“In 2012 again the police had reason to talk to you about over familiar behaviour with a 14-year-old in a park. Despite this police warning you go on to commit this offence in September 2013.”
In September last year the court heard that the pensioner “engineered” the opportunity to kiss the child.
He said: “You created the opportunity to inappropriately kiss a 12-year-old at the same time putting your arm around her and attempting to put your tongue in her mouth. She found the incident vile and disgusting. She has suffered lasting psychological impact; her father tells me that and her own statement tells me that.”
The judge added: “Your attitude to this has disturbed the probation officer.”
Sentencing the pensioner, Judge Darlow told Clarkson the risk he posed could be dealt with in the community and would be backed up by a penalty should he refuse to adhere to the order.
Clarkson is banned from working with young people and vulnerable adults, banned from entering Tavistock on Saturdays for eight years, banned from an approximate 400yard radius of the victim’s home and given two years of supervision as well as his name going on the sex offenders register.
