CHRISTOPHER JARVIS'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN EASTBOURNE AND SEAFORD REVEALED

In a series of disturbing revelations, Christopher Jarvis, a retired teacher with a long history of criminal conduct, has been linked to multiple instances of sexual abuse against young boys in Eastbourne and Seaford. His criminal activities span several decades, with the earliest offenses dating back to the 1960s, and have left a lasting impact on his victims and the communities involved.

Jarvis, aged 74, has a notorious past that includes being twice jailed for historic sex assaults on boys. His latest conviction involves three additional charges of gross indecency committed against a boy during the 1960s. These offenses took place while he was a teacher at St Peters Preparatory School in Seaford, a school that closed its doors in 1982. The victim, who was a pupil at the time, was subjected to inappropriate acts by Jarvis, who admitted to these charges during his court appearance at Lewes Crown Court.

Following his admission, Jarvis was sentenced to eight months in prison for each of the three offenses, with all sentences to run concurrently. This means he will serve only the longest sentence, which is eight months, for all three charges. Jarvis is already serving time for previous convictions, and he remains a registered sex offender for life, reflecting the severity and nature of his crimes.

His criminal history is extensive. In December 2013, Jarvis, then residing on Dukes Drive in Eastbourne, was sentenced to a significant term of eight years after pleading guilty to 14 counts of indecent assault and gross indecency against boys. These offenses occurred between 1964 and 1976, during his tenure at St Peters. His predatory behavior was not limited to that period; he continued to offend after moving to Eastbourne, where he taught at Bede’s Prep School. Despite this, there is no evidence to suggest any further misconduct during his time at Bede’s.

In December 2015, Jarvis received additional sentences for offenses committed at the same school. He was sentenced to four years for two counts, to be served concurrently with his previous sentence, and an additional 21 months for four other counts, also to be served concurrently. These sentences were part of a broader effort to hold him accountable for his actions, which spanned over a decade. The judge at the time described his actions as a “gross breach of trust,” emphasizing the profound and lasting harm inflicted on his victims, many of whom continue to struggle with the psychological scars of their abuse.

Jarvis’s criminal activities came to light after victims came forward in 2012, prompted by media coverage of his initial sentencing. The first victim contacted Sussex Police in late October 2012, leading to further victims stepping forward. He was arrested in November 2012 and charged in June 2013, after answering police bail. His case highlighted the disturbing pattern of grooming and exploitation that characterized his behavior during his years at St Peters, a school that boasted notable alumni including Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Falklands hero Colonel Herbert Jones.

Throughout his career, Jarvis targeted boys aged ten to 14, often using gifts such as chocolate to lure them into situations where he could abuse them. His misconduct was not confined to Seaford; after the closure of St Peters in 1982, he continued teaching at Bede’s School in Eastbourne. However, the school’s management acted swiftly once allegations surfaced, suspending and then terminating his employment, with no evidence suggesting misconduct at Bede’s.

Victims who came forward in 2014 and 2015, after learning about Jarvis’s previous eight-year sentence, provided further evidence of his predatory behavior. Their courage in reliving traumatic events has been instrumental in securing additional convictions. The case underscores the importance of perseverance in pursuing justice for victims of historic abuse, regardless of how much time has passed.

In summary, Christopher Jarvis’s criminal record is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals in positions of trust who abuse their authority. His case has brought to light the dark side of a man who once held the trust of young boys in Eastbourne and Seaford, leaving a legacy of pain and suffering that continues to resonate within the community.