Teen jailed for breaching suspended sentence

Wednesday 09 September 2020

A 19-year-old girl has been sentenced to ten months in youth detention, after being arrested for obstructing police and, as a result, breaching a suspended sentence handed to her just two months ago.

Kadie Clarke appeared in the Magistrate's Court in July, charged with spitting at an officer in a police van during the covid-19 lockdown, meaning the whole vehicle had to be professionally cleaned.

At that time, she was given a six month custodial sentence and a further three months for breaching an outstanding community service order - although both sentences were suspended for 18 months.

"If you do it again you might as well get in a taxi and go straight to prison," Judge Gary Perry warned her back in July, "because that's where you'll be going."

However, in the early hours of Saturday 22 August, Guernsey Police were called to an incident following reports of disorderly behaviour in Le Truchot. 

One of the defendant's friends resisted arrest and, according to the Prosecution, was trying to rub his face on the tarmac, while officers were attempting to stop him.

Pictured: The defendant pleaded guilty to obstructing police officers.

Clarke noticed that her friend was being detained and approached the officers, kicking out at them and shouting verbal abuse. She tried to get to her friend but was moved away by officers and, after a struggle, was also arrested.

Defence Advocate Sam Steel explained to the court that the defendant had been out drinking and had become upset when she saw her friend struggling on the floor and bleeding from the side of his head, triggering an "emotional response".

"Miss Clarke should have learnt her lesson at the last sentencing exercise," he admitted. 

The defendant was remanded in custody for two weeks ahead of her sentencing appearance, which Advocate Steel said had been an "eye-opener" for her.

"This is her first experience of custody and she has used her time as productively as possible," he said. "She wants to use this as a chance to quit misusing alcohol."

Pictured: The defendant was sentenced in the Magistrate's Court.

"A short, sharp shock would give Miss Clarke the opportunity to sober up and mature."

 But, while noting "importantly" that the defendant is only 19-years-old, Judge Gary Perry was not prepared to cut down her sentence.

"You're unwilling to respond to non-custodial sentences," he said. "I told you last time what would happen if you breached the sentence I gave you. Unlike you, I mean what I say."

Clarke was sentenced to the full nine months from her suspended sentence, plus a further one month for obstructing police officers.

Pictured top: The defendant has been sentenced to a total of ten months in youth detention.