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09/05/2008
Sex Killer Sentenced To 35 Years
A convicted rapist has been jailed for 35 years for the sexual assault, rape and murder of a young girl.
Michael Clark, 40, was handed down the sentence at Sheffield Crown Court for the killing of 14-year-old Zuzanna Zommer in Leeds last October.
Zuzanna's partly clothed body was found with her throat cut and a fractured skull by her parents at their home in Compton Row.
The court heard that Clark had befriended the Zommer family, originally from Poland, when they moved into his street.
Zuzanna had been at home alone on the day she was murdered as her parent had gone to find work in Leeds city centre.
Jurors heard that one of the knives used to kill Zuzanna was found in a bin at her home along with a chocolate bar wrapper.
The judge, Mr Justice King said that he had considered imposing a 'whole-life' tariff but had instead decided Clark must serve at least 35 years before he is considered for parole.
Detective Superintendent Bill Shackleton from West Yorkshire Police said that Clark had a history of "violent sexual offences" and was "without doubt an extremely dangerous sexual predator".
The murder follows a string of sexual offences.
Clark, who is reported to be a solvent abuser, was convicted in 1991 of sexually assaulting a woman he met in a nightclub.
In 1998 he was convicted of indecent assault and affray after he attacked a woman who managed to escape.
In 2003 he was found guilty of attacking a prostitute.
(DS)
Michael Clark, 40, was handed down the sentence at Sheffield Crown Court for the killing of 14-year-old Zuzanna Zommer in Leeds last October.
Zuzanna's partly clothed body was found with her throat cut and a fractured skull by her parents at their home in Compton Row.
The court heard that Clark had befriended the Zommer family, originally from Poland, when they moved into his street.
Zuzanna had been at home alone on the day she was murdered as her parent had gone to find work in Leeds city centre.
Jurors heard that one of the knives used to kill Zuzanna was found in a bin at her home along with a chocolate bar wrapper.
The judge, Mr Justice King said that he had considered imposing a 'whole-life' tariff but had instead decided Clark must serve at least 35 years before he is considered for parole.
Detective Superintendent Bill Shackleton from West Yorkshire Police said that Clark had a history of "violent sexual offences" and was "without doubt an extremely dangerous sexual predator".
The murder follows a string of sexual offences.
Clark, who is reported to be a solvent abuser, was convicted in 1991 of sexually assaulting a woman he met in a nightclub.
In 1998 he was convicted of indecent assault and affray after he attacked a woman who managed to escape.
In 2003 he was found guilty of attacking a prostitute.
(DS)
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