Newcastle student jailed for sexual assault on woman whilst she was sleeping

A Newcastle student has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a woman while she was asleep.

23-year-old Sam Clarke, from Grange Road in Fenham, was found guilty of assault by penetration.

He was sentenced on Friday to four and a half years in prison alongside a seven year restraining order.

The court heard how the victim woke up to find Clarke, who had been heavily intoxicated, assaulting her at a house party. When she reacted to what was happening, a judge at Newcastle Crown Court said Clarke “pretended to be confused.”

When first confronted by the victim, Clarke claimed she had been awake and consented to his actions, but he later apologised.

In her victim impact statement, she said: “What happened has affected me every day since. It has ruined the fun, outgoing person I used to be.

“I still struggle with leaving the house. Everywhere I go, I’m scared he will be there. I have panic attacks when I see anyone who looks remotely like him.

“I wake up having panic attacks and I replay the nightmare. I’m scared to sleep because that has been ruined for me too. Every single thing about me has changed.

“He has ruined the person I was before and destroyed every aspect of my life since then.”

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

He was convicted of sexual assault on Friday 4th April and sentenced to four and a half years in prison alongside a seven year restraining order. He will have to sign the sex offenders register for life.

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After the sentencing, Detective Constable Sarah Hails 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 and it is only right that he is now serving a significant length of time in prison for his deplorable actions. 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.”

Featured image via Northumbria Police