Rasen area man faces multiple child sex charges

Matthew Derek Clarke, of Stocks Lane in Faldingworth, appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on January 19 to face the charges, which are all alleged to have taken place in the West Lindsey area between 2007 and 2016.

Of the 28 charges, 24 relate to the alleged sexual abuse of a girl under the age of 16, three charges relate to taking indecent photographs of a girl under the age of 16, and the final charge relates to assault by beating, thereby causing actual bodily harm.

The alleged victim cannot be named for legal reasons.

Due to the serious nature of the charges, the magistrates’ court directed that Clarke must face a jury trial, and he is due to attend Lincoln Crown Court on February 17.

Clarke was granted conditional bail until that date.