Former Seaford teacher jailed for 26 years for sexual offences
David Clarke sentenced for abuse of 14 children over decades
A former teacher from Seaford has been sentenced to 26 years in prison following his conviction for historic sexual offences against 14 children during the 1970s and 1980s.
David Clarke, aged 82, from Main Road, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk, perpetrated the abuse while teaching religious education at Newlands School, The Manor, and the sixth form in Seaford between 1978 and 1989.
Details of the Case
An extensive investigation by police uncovered 14 male victims who reported abuse at Clarke's hands, much of which occurred in a darkroom where he conducted a photography club.
Clarke faced 39 counts of indecent assault, five counts involving a child, one count of buggery of a boy under 16, and producing an indecent photograph of a child.
During a month-long trial that began on 13th April at Brighton Crown Court, Clarke was found guilty of all charges except one count of attempted buggery.
Impact and Justice
Investigator Nicky Beard praised the courage of the victims for coming forward, noting, "David Clarke has now faced justice for his crimes, but the impact of his offending will last a lifetime."
She reiterated the commitment of the police to seek justice for victims, regardless of when the offences occurred, and urged other potential victims to report any abuse without suffering in silence.
Clarke's sentence was delivered at Brighton Crown Court on Monday, 1st June.