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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Joe Thomas & Sophie Halle-Richards

Child rapist leaves court in 'despicable and offensive' way in front of victims as he's jailed

A child rapist taunted his victims as he was jailed for his horrific crimes.

Jason Clarke, 48, thanked the judge presiding over his case as he said 'bye' to the public gallery when leaving the dock.

His behaviour was slammed by Judge Clement Goldstone QC as "truly despicable," the ECHO reports.

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Clarke was sentenced to 24 years in jail after a jury convicted him of two dozen sex offences.

Liverpool Crown Court heard he had subjected three victims to sexual abuse during a sustained pattern of offending that lasted for several years.

He was found guilty of several counts of rape was told he had stolen his victim's childhood.

Their bravery in coming forward years later after his evil crimes led to a Merseyside Police investigation that resulted him being jailed on Monday (14 February).

After Judge Goldstone handed Clarke his sentence, the sex offender threw his head and shoulders back and said: "Thank you very much."

As he walked out of the dock he looked at those he had tormented before telling one person in the public gallery "bye."

Following his outburst, Judge Goldstone told the court: "I am only sorry for the way in which the defendant left... as truly despicable and offensive as it was."

Clarke, of Hollins Drive in Stafford, was told he must serve at least 16 years of his sentence before being considered for release.

He was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and will also have to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Read more of today's top stories here.

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