David James Clarke, formerly of Newlands School in East Sussex, was given a twenty-six year sentence for Historic Sexual Abuse.
Clarke received his sentence at Lewes Crown Court, following a Sussex Police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) investigation. The results of this investigation established that he had taken advantage of his position in the school photography club to abuse young boys.
He was found guilty of 45 counts of child sexual abuse against 14 former pupils.
Evidence presented in Court revealed that Clarke used the photography club darkroom to separate various pupils from the rest of the class. He began with grooming tactics like hugging and getting children to sit on his lap, before it escalated to him committing severe sexual assaults, including indecent assault, gross indecency and buggery.
Clarke’s arrest escalated the investigation further, as indecent images of children were uncovered on his computer by police. He was eventually convicted of 38 counts of indecent assault, 5 counts of gross indecency with a child, 1 count of buggery and 1 count of making indecent images of children.
Claire Brinton, Specialist CPS Prosecutor, said:
“David James Clarke preyed on 14 children at school, who were vulnerable because of their age, many who were isolated, away from their homes and families.
“Clarke was a teacher, in a position of enormous responsibility who exploited them for his own hideous and vile sexual gratification, often using threats and bribes to manipulate his way to abuse numerous boys in his care.
“I hope this sentencing sends a clear message that the CPS, working closely alongside law enforcement, will relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those who sexually exploit children and adults, whenever that abuse took place and that Clarke’s imprisonment offers some comfort to the victims’ families and friends.
“All children have the right to feel safe. I encourage anyone who has been in a similar position to come forward to report these incidents to the police. It is never too late to seek justice – you are not alone and there is help available.”
Frequently asked questions
- I was abused may years ago but never reported it. Is it too late?
It is never too late to report Historic Abuse. In doing so, not only are you making it official – you may also be helping authorities to build up a bigger picture of places and people that may warrant investigation in the future.
- I am a parent and my child has suffered abuse at school recently. Can I make a claim on their behalf?
Yes. As the parent you will be able to deal with the claim on behalf of your child. Where a person under 18 brings a claim for compensation, they need to have a ‘Litigation Friend’.
If any compensation is recovered, it will in almost all cases be held by Court in a special account until the child reaches 18.
- Can I get an apology for what happened?
No sum of money will take away the pain, but bringing a claim is about closure or having some acknowledgement that what happened to them was wrong.
In many cases, we have been able obtain a written acknowledgement and apology from the Defendant as part of any settlement.
Further reading
Press release – Crown Prosecution Service
Historic abuse claims – AbuseClaims
Abuse in schools and education – Oakwood Solicitors
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you would like more information about historical abuse claims, get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods at the top of this page, or call us on 0113 306 9001.
