A mother has declared there is 'no magic wand' to erase the trauma caused by a 'manipulative' sexual predator who was jailed for assaulting her young daughter.
A Detailed Investigation and Admission of Guilt
The case came to light in September 2022 when Charles Benson-Clark, then 30, was arrested by police after inappropriate messages were discovered on the girl's phone. During questioning, Benson-Clark, formerly of Clavering, Saffron Walden, refused to answer any questions about his relationship with the victim.
Following a long and detailed investigation by Essex Police, he was eventually charged. Benson-Clark later appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court, where he admitted four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child. This included two particularly serious counts of penetrative sexual activity.
Justice Served and a Mother's Powerful Words
On 21 November 2025, the court sentenced Charles Benson-Clark to six-and-a-half years in prison. In addition to his jail term, he was given an indefinite restraining order and handed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
In a powerful victim impact statement released after the sentencing, the girl's mother shared the profound impact of the crimes. She stated, "There is no magic wand. The impact has been far-reaching and getting justice will help as we move forward." She described the process as "extremely challenging" but expressed relief that "justice has been served and my daughter’s voice has been heard."
A Call for Support and Change
The mother paid special tribute to the charity CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), praising their amazing counsellor for the support provided throughout the ordeal. She also highlighted the manipulative nature of the abuse, which prevented her daughter from speaking out.
"My child did not feel like she could tell me what was happening to her due to his manipulative actions and that’s something I want to help change," she said. "I don’t want anyone else’s child to go through something like this, and I hope to find a way of supporting others going forward."
Investigating officer Detective Constable George Lakey commended the victim and her mother for their bravery and tenacity. He described Benson-Clark's behaviour as "abhorrent" and "predatory," noting the offender knew his victim was underage and was solely self-interested. DC Lakey urged others to come forward, assuring that police treat all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously.
