April 17, 2025
Jai Clapp, 25, appeared at the Latrobe Valley County Court facing multiple serious charges, including sexually touching a child, grooming a child under 16, and sexual penetration with a child under 12. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Clapp had assaulted his victim and kissed her afterward.
His defence lawyer, Sam Norton, argued that Clapp showed genuine acceptance of responsibility, which is uncommon in such cases. Mr Norton said Clapp had been “fulfilling” a sexual fantasy with a non-threatening female and had early exposure to child abuse material. Judge Marcus Dempsey recognised Clapp as a "highly intelligent young man" but noted his lack of "emotional intelligence". Clapp is scheduled to be sentenced on April 30.
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