MAN JAILED FOR NON-RECENT SEX OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN
A man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of historic sexual offences involving children at a children’s home in Woking.The victim, now 58, described how his childhood was affected by abuse from an authority figure at that time.
His words reflected the profound impact: “I stand before you, a 58-year-old man whose life was irrevocably altered in childhood.
The innocence of my youth was not lost; it was stolen, stolen by a man who wielded his authority as a weapon against the most vulnerable.” Clive Peter Niblett, 73, was convicted and sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, 17 January, to serve 12 years.
His conviction included 13 counts, such as two of indecency with a child, nine of indecent assault, and charges of buggery and attempted buggery.
The offences took place during the 1970s when Niblett was employed as the residential manager at Palmerston House children’s home in Romsey, Hampshire, and later at the Burbank Children’s School in Woking.
Five victims ranging in age from 10 to 15 came forward, and the crimes spanned over several years.
Niblett’s criminal history was partially revealed when he pleaded guilty in 2016 to abusing two boys.
One abuse occurred at Burbank, and another while he was at Palmerston House.
He had been previously sentenced in 2016 to eight years for multiple offences committed between April 1975 and April 1976, including indecent assault on males under 14 and acts of buggery.
The investigation broadened following claims for compensation made by the initial victims, leading to charges related to five victims during the 1975-1983 period at both institutions.
The victims ranged from nine or ten to between 13 and 15 years old.
The perpetrator would often win their trust beforehand by offering gifts such as cigarettes, sweets, and drinks.
One adult survivor described the long-lasting effects of the abuse, stating how nightmares and sleepless nights have dominated his life for more than 40 years.
His statement expressed that the memories of the abuse remain vivid and painful, noting, “The nightmares, the sleepless nights each a vivid reliving of the abuse have been a torturous reminder of the horrors I endured.
The defendant, whose heart harbours no remorse, continues to haunt my days and nights.
I could never explain the impact of 40 years of my pain, anger and hurt for everyone to understand but that is the true reality of my feelings impacted by his actions.”
