A former private school teacher will spend the rest of his life behind bars after he was convicted of sexually assaulting 14 of his former pupils. David James Clarke, 82, who ran a photography club at Newlands School in Seaford, East Sussex, used his position to take boys into the darkroom and abuse them.
Details of the Abuse
Clarke would isolate the boys, beginning by hugging them and asking them to sit on his lap. The abuse progressed to touching their genitals under and over clothing, escalating to mutual masturbation and, on occasion, oral sex and buggery. He was found guilty of 45 counts of child sexual abuse and one count of making indecent images of children.
Sentencing and Reactions
At Brighton Crown Court, Clarke was sentenced to 26 years in prison. Claire Brinton, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, 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.'
Sussex Police investigator Nicky Beard added: 'David Clarke has now faced justice for his crimes, but the impact of his offending will last a lifetime. I would once again like to thank all 14 of these incredibly brave and resilient men for reporting to us, supporting this process and helping hold their abuser to account.'
Call for Other Victims
Police believe there may be other victims and urge them to come forward. 'If you are affected, please do not suffer in silence – report it to us and we will support you and do everything we can to get you justice,' Beard said. The case highlights the importance of reporting historical abuse, as Brinton noted: 'It is never too late to seek justice – you are not alone and there is help available.'
