Tipton pimp who raped teen before forcing her into sex trade fails in appeal bid

Winston Washington Clarke, 48, of Tipton, was told by senior judges at London's Criminal Appeals Court he had 'no arguable' grounds for complaint.

Clarke, of Union Street, was jailed for nine years by Birmingham Crown Court in August 2013.

He had earlier been convicted of indecent assault, living off the proceeds of prostitution, controlling prostitution for financial gain and intimidation.

The court heard Clarke had sexually abused his victim, got her addicted to drugs and involved her in prostitution.

Mr Justice Irwin said Clarke met the victim when she was in her mid-teens.

He would exercise power over her by violence, 'isolating her' and other 'manipulation', using the cash she earned for his own ends.

Clarke, who had previous convictions relating to violence, denied any wrongdoing, saying at his trial that the victim's accusations were a "series of lies".

But he was convicted on the four counts by a jury.

On appeal, Clarke claimed the victim had 'fabricated her account' and her evidence had 'no credibility'.

He called for the Court of Appeal to consider fresh evidence which he said would prove his innocence.

And Clarke said his trial lawyers wrongly advised him not to call certain witnesses which he insists would have aided his defence.

But Mr Justice Irwin, sitting with Lady Justice Macur and Mr Justice Dove, said Clarke's lawyers had acted entirely properly and the rest of his arguments had no merit whatsoever.

The appeal had in any event been brought way beyond the usual deadline.

"There is no arguable case that these convictions were unsafe.

"The extention of time and leave to appeal sought are refused", the judge concluded.