Cambs man sexually assaulted woman who helped him after he collapsed

He had previously been convicted of a sex offence in 2009

A man who sexually assaulted a Good Samaritan who tried to help him after he had collapsed from drink and drugs has been jailed. Brenden Clarke, 33, has been locked up for a year after an incident where he collapsed on Bourges Boulevard in Peterborough on February 4 this year.

Two women who had spotted Clarke while driving past pulled over to help and called an ambulance. As he came round, one of the women helped Clarke sit against a wall and remained with him to monitor him.

But Clarke, who was previously convicted of a sexual offence in 2009, began making sexual gestures towards her and tried to kiss her. The victim immediately stood up to create distance and told him to stop.

Clarke then made further sexual comments and, unsteady on his feet, attempted to walk into the road, forcing traffic to come to a halt. The victim encouraged him back onto the pavement.

Clarke said he did not want to wait for medical help and claimed he was going to the probation office. Concerned he may walk into the road again the two women walked with him.

However, while walking, Clarke again approached the same victim, sexually assaulted her and attempted to kiss her. She removed his grasp and loudly told him to stop and keep his distance. He repeated this behaviour before the victim pushed him towards a wall and he stopped.

On June 10 at Peterborough Crown Court, Clarke, of no fixed abode but from the Peterborough area, was sentenced to one year in prison and placed on the Sex Offender Register for ten years. He had pleaded guilty to sexual assault and failing to comply with notification requirements of the Sex Offenders Register.

PC Niamh Skipworth, who investigated, said: “This was a distressing incident for the woman was trying to help someone she believed needed medical attention. Clarke’s behaviour was disgraceful and left the victim shaken.

“I would like to commend the victim for her courage in reporting what happened and for the support she provided to officers throughout the investigation. This case demonstrates that sexual offending of any kind will be taken seriously, and we will continue to work to bring offenders before the courts.”