Townsville man jailed for attempting to procure kids for sex acts

A Townsville man has been jailed after he attempted to procure two children to perform sex acts on him in broad daylight.

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A TOWNSVILLE man has been jailed after he propositioned two girls under the age of 16 to perform sexual acts on him in public, before following them when they were attempting to report the incident to police.

Wallace John Clarke pleaded guilty to two charges of attempted indecent treatment of children under 16 (procure to commit) in the Townsville Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The court heard Clarke had a history of sexual offending, including masturbating in public.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Erin Collis said that on May 1 Clarke approached the two girls in a public place and in broad daylight.

When the girls attempted to leave the scene, Clarke followed them before they were able to flag down police.

Clarke’s lawyer Mikaila Ward said her client could not remember the incident as he was intoxicated, but he accepted the facts given the strength of the Crown’s case against him.

Ms Ward said a prison sentence of six months was within range for the offences.

Magistrate Scott Luxton sentenced Clarke to eight months imprisonment, with convictions recorded for each offence.

He will be eligible for parole on July 12.

Originally published as Townsville man jailed for attempting to procure kids for sex acts