SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR PAEDOPHILE PASTOR JAMES CLARKE OVER HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE
A man formerly in public office, who was extradited from Canada to face allegations of historic sexual assault, received a sentencing in Belfast today.James Clarke, aged 81, was given a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended for a period of three years, by Judge Mark Reel.
The court heard that the indecent assaults took place against two teenage boys during the 1960s and 70s, while Clarke was working in two children’s homes located in Belfast.
Clarke emigrated to Canada in 1977, where he earned a theology degree and served as a church minister.
As part of his involvement in religious work, Clarke was also scrutinized in a child abuse inquiry and was instrumental in establishing a boys' home in Ontario.
Residing at Cloncore Road in Portadown, the pensioner admitted to abusing his first victim on two separate occasions between January 1, 1966, and January 1, 1972.
That victim had contacted the RUC in 1980, claiming that Clarke had abused him around the age of 13.
The first abuse reportedly happened while the victim was unwell and lying in bed, with the second incident taking place at Clarke’s mother’s house.
After the 1980 complaint, detectives traveled to Canada and questioned Clarke about the allegations.
He denied the accusations at that time, leading to no prosecution.
However, five years later, during an unrelated police interview in 1985, Clarke confessed to abusing the Bawnmore resident and admitted he had previously lied.
Clarke later wrote a letter to a Detective Inspector from the RUC, acknowledging that he had also abused a second young male when he was working as deputy senior matron at Conway House children’s home.
Upon police follow-up, the second victim confirmed being abused by Clarke during a fishing trip in Newcastle, where they all slept in a tent and Clarke assaulted him during the night.
Despite his confessions, Clarke was not charged in connection with the second victim.
The BBC learned of the allegations through the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry.
In 2017, a BBC team traveled to Canada to interview Clarke, during which he admitted to sexually abusing two boys in Belfast during the 1960s and 70s.
Clarke claimed he had told police about the abuse but was not prosecuted.
This led to the Public Prosecution Service initiating extradition proceedings.
Crown barrister Michael Chambers told the judge that Clarke did not consent to this extradition process.
Defense lawyer Michael Boyd described the extradition as a “harrowing experience” for Clarke, who spent over a month in detention in Canada before being brought to Belfast and interviewed at Musgrave Police Station.
The lawyer highlighted Clarke’s complex medical conditions and his caring responsibilities for a child with a brain injury, who requires constant care.
He also pointed out that Clarke’s confession to abusing the second victim demonstrated acknowledgment of his actions.
Clarke expressed remorse and shame for his conduct, taking responsibility through his confessions.
Clarke pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting the second victim between May 14, 1970, and May 14, 1974.
Judge Reel noted that the statements from both victims reflected how the abuse left lasting scars that affected their daily lives.
The judge considered Clarke’s admissions of guilt, his health problems, and his caring duties in Canada.
No evidence suggested further offending in Canada, despite Clarke’s access to children during that time.
Standing in the dock, Clarke received a suspended sentence, with the judge cautioning him that any re-offense within three years could lead to immediate imprisonment.
