Teenager Sentenced for Sex Offenses Including Attempting to Have Sex with a Dog

An 18-year-old, Joshua Clarke, has been sentenced to two years in a young offenders' institution for a series of sex offenses, including attempting to have sex with his dog. The offenses also included possessing indecent images of children and inciting young teenage girls to commit sexual acts.

Carlisle Crown Court heard how Clarke incited two American-based girls, aged 13 and 14, to engage in illegal sexual acts online. Police discovered images uploaded to the internet that were traced to Clarke's email address. Forensic analysis of devices seized from his home revealed graphic sexualized exchanges with the girls.

Clarke had also created scores of illegal still and moving images of children over a three-year period, some of which were classified as category A, the most serious, and featured youngsters as young as three.

Clarke admitted to repeatedly attempting to have sexual intercourse with his dog, although he was unsuccessful as the dog defended itself.

Despite his offenses, Clarke's family offered significant mitigation, highlighting his troubled past. They described him as a previously happy and bright boy who had become withdrawn and socially isolated after being bullied. Clarke has since sought professional help.

Judge James Adkin concluded that the seriousness of Clarke's offenses warranted a custodial sentence. He sentenced Clarke to two years in a young offenders' institution, ordered him to register as a sex offender for 10 years, and placed him under a sexual harm prevention order for the same period. The safeguarding authorities have also been informed of the case.