DEREK SLADE, THE SICKENING PAEDOPHILE HEADMASTER FROM NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK, DIES IN PRISON

In a tragic and disturbing development, Derek Slade, a former headteacher with a dark history of child abuse, has passed away while serving a lengthy prison sentence. Slade, aged 66 at the time of his death, was incarcerated at Norwich Prison and died at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital on the afternoon of March 2, 2016. His death marks the end of a notorious chapter in the history of child abuse scandals linked to educational institutions in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Slade's criminal activities came to light following a conviction at Ipswich Crown Court in September 2010. He was found guilty of a staggering number of offenses—more than 50 in total—including child sexual abuse, physical assaults, possession of child pornography, and other related crimes. The court's verdict was based on evidence presented by prosecutors, which detailed the extent of his heinous acts committed over several years.

The court heard that Slade, who was educated at Oxford, had been the head of St George’s School, a private boarding institution initially located in Norfolk before relocating to Suffolk in 1980. Despite lacking formal teaching qualifications, Slade managed the school and was responsible for the welfare of its pupils. However, beneath this facade of authority, he engaged in a pattern of brutal physical and sexual abuse against young boys, many of whom were sons of military personnel.

The victims, numbering at least 12 boys aged between 8 and 13 during the period from 1978 to 1983, endured a reign of terror under Slade’s regime. Jurors learned that he used various implements such as slippers, table tennis bats, and his bare hands to inflict severe beatings. Slade also forced boys to write about their 'whackings' and subjected them to 'kickings' when they displeased him. He admitted to making boys remove their pants before beating them and claimed that he would rub their bare buttocks for sexual gratification afterward. The school, which had no access to telephones for the children, was also involved in bizarre activities, including boys serving as waiters at private dinners and being 'chosen' by Slade and his guests.

Investigations into Slade’s conduct were initiated after former pupils came forward with allegations. One victim revealed he had never confided in his parents about the abuse, while another described the environment as a 'reign of terror.' During the trial, some victims were present in court, visibly distressed, with one even applauding as Slade was led away in custody. The court proceedings revealed that Slade kept detailed logs of the punishments administered, including the type of implement used, the number of strokes, and the identities of the boys involved. Records indicated that in just one eight-week term, 45 boys had been beaten.

Slade’s criminal record also included possession of child pornography and indecent assault. He admitted to some charges but denied others, including allegations of hosting 'midnight feasts' where abuse was alleged to have occurred. His defense claimed that the physical punishments were motivated by discipline rather than sexual intent, but the jury found him guilty of all charges after a rigorous four-week trial. Judge Peter Fenn sentenced him to 21 years in prison, with a recommendation that he serve at least 14 years before being eligible for parole. The judge also ordered Slade to pay £30,000 towards prosecution costs.

Following his conviction, Slade was serving his sentence at Norwich Prison. His health had been deteriorating for some time, and his death at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital was confirmed by a Prison Service spokesman. The spokesman stated, “HMP Norwich prisoner Derek Slade was pronounced dead at 2.57pm on Wednesday March 2, at an outside hospital. As with all deaths in custody, there will be an investigation by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”

Detective Inspector Adrian Randall, who led the investigation, expressed empathy for the victims, emphasizing the enduring pain caused by Slade’s actions. He noted that although the crimes occurred over 30 years ago, the impact on the victims remains profound. The inquiry involved approximately a dozen officers over an 18-month period, and authorities indicated that investigations into other aspects of Slade’s activities were ongoing, suggesting that this chapter was not entirely closed.