TEACHER GUILTY OF ABUSING BOYS IN SCHOOL
An ex-private school teacher has been declared guilty of abusing former students in a series of sexual offences.David James Clarke, aged 82, was convicted of 45 separate charges involving child sexual abuse while at Newlands School in Seaford, East Sussex.
Authorities state that he targeted 13 pupils during the years 1978 to 1989.
Clarke was accused of abusing boys, including in a darkroom where he ran a photography club, often isolating them for his own inappropriate activities.
Claire Brinton from the CPS explained that Clarke, who held a prominent position of responsibility at the school, exploited the boys for his own sexual pleasure.
The abuse involved manipulative tactics such as threats and bribes, affecting boys who were particularly vulnerable due to their age and distance from family environments.
The police investigation uncovered indecent images of children on Clarke’s computer, which led to his arrest.
He also faced charges related to these images, and his sentencing is scheduled for June 1.
The CPS stressed that every child deserves to be safe and encouraged those who have endured similar experiences to report them to law enforcement.
They reassured that it is never too late to seek justice, affirming support for victims.
Clarke was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court of 39 counts of indecent assault, four counts of indecency with a child, and one count of buggery, alongside charges related to indecent images.
The school he worked at, Newlands, was shut down in 2014.
