Man jailed after sexually assaulting woman

A man has been jailed for four-and-a-half-years for sexually assaulting a woman whilst she slept.

Sam Clarke, 23, abused the victim at a house party while she was sleeping, however she awoke and confronted Clarke, who tried to claim the activity was consensual and that she was awake.

The brave victim contacted police to report what had happened, and Clarke was arrested and questioned in connection with the report.                                                                                                         

Clarke was subsequently charged in November 2023, and in January, Clarke was found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court of assault by penetration.

On Friday (April 4), Clarke, of Grange Road, Newcastle, appeared at the same court where he was sentenced to four years and six months in prison.

The victim shared these words to be read at 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.”

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 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.

“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.