Former teacher, David James Clarke, 82, received a twenty-six year sentence after an Historical Sexual Abuse investigation regarding Newlands School in Seaford.
Clarke was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court after a Sussex Police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) investigation determined that he had used his role in the school photography club to abuse young boys.
He was found guilty of 45 counts of child sexual abuse against 14 former pupils.
Court evidence stated that Clarke used the photography club darkroom to isolate pupils from their classmates. Starting off with grooming tactics such as hugging and getting children to sit on his lap, it escalated to severe sexual assaults, including indecent assault, gross indecency and penetration.
After Clarke was arrested, the investigation escalated further, as police discovered indecent images of children on his computer.
What was David James Clarke convicted of?
- 38 counts of indecent assault
- 5 counts of gross indecency with a child
- 1 count of buggery
- 1 count of making indecent images of children
Specialist CPS Prosecutor, Claire Brinton 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.”
It was also expressed that hopefully this conviction would offer some comfort to survivors, families and friends.
Frequently asked questions about Abuse
I was abused may years ago but never reported it. Is it too late?
Don’t worry – it is never too late to report Historic Abuse.
Provided that you feel ready to do so, you can report it to the police at any time. 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 a claim be made now?
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 what is known as 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
Abuse in schools and education – Oakwood Solicitors
CPS press release – Crown Prosecution Service
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you would like to speak to us about an abuse matter, historic or otherwise – our team is here to help.
Contact us on 0113 200 9720, or fill in our online contact form to the righthand side of this page and a member of the team will be in touch.
Molly Frost joined the Firm in June 2024 and specializes in abuse compensation claims. Having over 20 years’ experience helping survivors recover compensation, she is considered an expert in her fie…
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