December 2015

Man given 15 year extended sentence for sexually abusing seven-year-old

A man who sexually abused children, including a seven-year-old girl, has been handed a 15-year extended sentence.

Andrew Clenaghan, of Princess Drive in Sawston, was sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday, his 21st birthday.

He had previously pleaded guilty to a sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13-years-old and of making indecent images of a child.

The court heard that, on the same occasion, he took a number of indecent photographs of her.

As well as this, he pleaded guilty to an earlier sexual assault on a 17-year-old female.

Prosecuting, Caroline Allison told the court Clenaghan had noticed the girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, at a party.

The girl’s father found them behind a table. Clenaghan left in a hurry, saying they had been playing rock-paper-scissors.

Miss Allison said: “[The girl] told [her father] Clenaghan had asked to see her underwear and had then asked her to feel him. He took photos.”

The court heard a statement from the victim’s mother saying: “She has become more destructive and has been having nightmares.”

Clenaghan also pleaded guilty to assaulting a 17-year-old woman by penetration. This incident occurred on an earlier date.

Having read press coverage of the assault on the 7-year-old, the victim decided to come forward.

Previously, in 2010, Clenaghan had pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 7-year-old boy who he had touched, having encouraged him to accompany him into some bushes – The abuse had taken place against his victim’s will.

Judge Farrell said: “It is, in my judgement, an extremely worrying pattern of offending and there is no indication of when that might stop.”

Clenaghan was given a 15-year extended sentence. He will serve at least 10 years in prison. The rest will be served on licence.

A sexual harm prevention order was issued.

December 2015

Teen pleads guilty to sexually assaulting underage victims, including 7-year-old

A man has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting underage victims, including a seven-year-old boy.

Andrew Clenaghan, 20, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court via video link from HMP Norwich, where he is currently being held, on Tuesday.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by penetration and one of taking indecent photographs of a child.

Clenaghan, of Princess Drive in Sawston, also assaulted a schoolgirl on August 23.

The court heard that, on the same occasion, he took a number of indecent photographs of her.

The court also heard that, on an earlier occasion, Clenaghan had assaulted a seven-year-old boy. The abuse had taken place against his victim’s will.

According to prosecutor Tim Brown, this incident took place at some point between March 21 and March 22.

The court heard Clenaghan had taken his victim into a wooded area where he abused him.

The court was told Clenaghan had another conviction for a similar assault against a schoolgirl.

Judge Farrell said the offence was a serious one and that Clenaghan could expect a lengthy prison term when he came to be sentenced.

“I am not saying you will not receive a custodial sentence,” Judge Farrell told Clenaghan. “The sentence will be measured in many, many years. I need to consider whether it is a life sentence.

“You are going to receive a substantial custodial sentence. The only question is, of what type.”

Mitigating, Melanie Benn asked for a psychiatric report to be compiled in order to determine Clenaghan’s state of mind.

She also told the court it was important for Clenaghan to have time to obtain character references before he was sentenced due to the serious nature of the indictments.

The case has been adjourned for sentencing, which will take place during the week commencing December 14. This is pending the completion of a psychiatric report and it is possible the sentencing will be further delayed should this need to be completed.

Clenaghan will be remanded in custody until the sentencing.