Investigation by detectives sees woman who sexually assaulted teenage boy jailed
A woman who had sexual activity with a teenage boy has been jailed following an investigation by detectives.
Clare Louise Townsend, aged 37 and of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child on Friday 10 April 2026. She was sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court on Monday 12 October 2026 to three years and nine months in prison and made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) for ten years.
Townsend was also given a five-year restraining order and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
The defendant met the victim, who was aged 15 at the time, around late October 2024. Over the following months, Townsend supplied class A drugs to him, including cocaine and MDMA.
The defendant had sexual activity with the victim on at least ten occasions.
In February 2026, Townsend was located in an insecure warehouse in Sherborne and arrested.
Detective Constable Holly Spillman, of Dorset County Safeguarding Hub, said: "Once concerns were raised about the relationship between Townsend and the victim, an investigation into serious sexual offences commenced. With vital assistance from Dorset Council’s Child Protection Team, we were able to gain the support of the victim and safeguard him and his family from further harm.
"The actions of Townsend have had a long-lasting and significant impact on the victim, who is now trying to recover from the trauma and re-build the childhood that was taken from him.
"I would like to commend the bravery and resilience of this young man in coming forward and telling us what happened to him.
"Also, I would like to personally thank Corinne Chapman of the Wessex RASSO Unit, Crown Prosecution Service, and the social worker involved for their input throughout this investigation. The assistance and support they provided has been vital in achieving this outcome.
"I hope this outcome will provide other victims with the courage and strength to come forward, and reassurance that they will be listened to, believed and protected from harm."
If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, and you want to report directly to the police, please call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.
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