Clinton Everett: Cobar man jailed for intimate image crimes

A man who shared intimate pictures without a woman’s consent and said he did it to “prove a point” told her “I can f*** whoever I want”.

A serial sex offender who told a woman he posted images of her to social media during a sex act “to prove a point” has been jailed.

Clinton Everett pleaded guilty to two counts of recording an intimate image without consent; one count of distributing an intimate image without consent and one count of failing to comply with reporting obligations convicted child sex offenders have.

Cobar man Clinton Everett has been received more convictions. Picture: Facebook

According to a statement of agreed facts tendered in court, the 27-year-old Cobar man first came into contact with the woman on the dating app Tinder in September 2019.

The pair added each other on Snapchat and in March 2020 they were engaging in a consensual sex act when Everett picked up the woman’s phone.

A day later, court documents state that the woman found a 30 second video of her on the phone which she did not consent to being involved in.

The woman later met Everett again in country NSW in June 2020 and while she was asleep, one of his friends, Jack Barnes, opened the door to her room and asked what she was doing.

“Trying to sleep,” the woman said.

According to court documents, Barnes got into bed with the woman and Everett entered the room to engage in a sex act with the group.

Cobar man Jack Barnes was Clinton Everett’s co-offender. Picture: Facebook

Both men took photos and videos while the sex act was occurring and they were posted to Snapchat.

“Why have you got your phone, put it away,” the woman said.

Everett responded by saying “I don’t need to be here, I can just go back and have a drink with the boys”.

“I don’t need you, I can f*** whoever I want,” he said.

When the woman asked what was going on, Everett continued to verbally abuse her.

“I just wanted to prove a point,” Everett told the woman.

“I can f*** whoever I want. I just wanted to prove a point you’re a slut … I always knew you were.”

According to court documents, Everett started to get dressed and when the woman said she did not understand his behaviour he again attacked her verbally.

“You’re such a clingy thing, you always want to hold my arm when there are other girls around,” he said.

The woman said “that’s just because I miss you and want to be with you”.

Snapchat was often used by offenders to commit intimate image offences, the court heard. Picture: Denis Charlet/AFP

Everett replied, saying “it’s like you’re trying to claim me as yours but at least I can go and f*** my ex”.

While he was making verbally abusive comments, court documents state Everett walked over to Barnes and gave him a high-five and said “good work”.

“I thought so highly of you … but I was so wrong,” Everett said to the woman.

“I never want to see you again, you need to be gone by morning,” Everett told the woman

After police began investigating the incident, Everett was also charged with one count of failing to comply with reporting obligations.

Court documents state he received a conviction at Dubbo District Court in August 2013 for having sexual intercourse with person between 10 and 14 years old.

He was placed on child protection register which requires him to report to police and in October 2020 Everett failed to comply with his obligation.

Dubbo Local Court magistrate Gary Wilson jailed Clinton Everett. Picture: Ryan Young

In Dubbo Local Court on Thursday defence barrister Alan Conwell said the agreed facts were “silent” on the extent of distribution of the woman’s images and messages on Snapchat automatically deleted.

“Intoxication doesn’t excuse the crime … what it can do is perhaps point to the impulsive nature of the offending,” Mr Conwell said.

“My client does have a prior record. He was 18 years and 10 months, he was ultimately sentenced to a 20-month suspended sentence.”

The court heard Everett previously served time behind bars because the suspended sentence was revoked due to repeated failures to comply with reporting obligations.

Mr Conwell told the court Everett complained to police about the woman allegedly calling his ex-girlfriend in July 2020 and he said Everett was not trying to avoid reporting to police because he expected them to speak with him about the incident.

“He’s a solid contributor to the community,” Mr Conwell said.

“What he’s done is disgraceful … there is no doubt about that.

“He’s started treatment for depression and anxiety.”

The court heard that a sentencing assessment report concluded Everett was remorseful and “feels deeply for the hurt he caused the victim”.

Prosecutor Hallie Warnock said Everett should have been jailed because he had a history of disregarding court orders.

“We have a violation of trust during an intimate act,” she said.

“The truth it’s not known how far the videos were spread because of Snapchat’s nature.

“Snapchat is a prime app to use for exactly these kind of offences. This wasn’t a one-off once.”

Ms Warnock said a psychological report found Everett had an above average risk of reoffending.

“He’s abused a position of trust,” she said.

Magistrate Gary Wilson said Everett’s conduct had a “continuing profound effect” on the woman.

“Certainly your criminal history doesn’t support any degree of leniency,” he said.

Magistrate Wilson convicted Everett and sentenced him to a 12-month jail term.

He will be eligible for parole in September 2022.

Barnes was previously convicted of intentionally recording and distributing an intimate image without consent. He received a two-year community corrections order.