A MARRIED family man from Wordsley who raped a 17-year-old girl has been jailed for three years and nine months.

Simon Clarke carried out the offence after being encouraged to send her affectionate text messages to get “revenge” on her boyfriend.

At Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday September 30, Clarke, aged 24, of Brook Street, admitted rape and was further ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

John Evans, prosecuting, told the hearing the messages sent by Clarke to the teenager where “more intense than she expected”.

He told added that just days later Clarke raped the teenager before telling police, “Things got a bit out of hand”.

Judge Michael Dudley told Clarke he had “taken advantage” of the girl but it was to his credit he had pleaded guilty to the charge and spared her from “reliving her ordeal”.

He said he had read a number of references sent to Wolverhampton Crown Court and added: “A lot of people think very highly of you. There is much good in you.”

Gareth Walters, defending said: “What took place was a terrible error of judgement. It is something he will have to live with for the rest of his life.”

He stressed Clarke had acted completely out of character and said he clearly accepted his actions had been frightening for the victim.

Mr Walters said Clarke was “tearful and ashamed” of what he had done and he had learned a hard lesson but he continued to have the support of his wife and family who sat in the public gallery.

Mr Evans said Clarke knew the girl and had renewed their friendship when he returned to the Stourbridge area from Devon.

It was during a meeting that he carried out the rape.