A former religious education teacher has been convicted of historic child sex offences after a grim investigation uncovered a series of abuses stretching back to the 1970s and 80s.
David Clarke’s Darkroom of Horror
David Clarke, 82, taught at Newlands Preparatory School in Seaford between 1978 and 1989. He preyed on pupils during photography club sessions, using the school’s darkroom as his sinister lair. Fourteen male victims have stepped forward, revealing years of abuse at his hands.
Month-Long Trial Ends in Guilty Verdict
Clarke was charged with 39 counts of indecent assault, five counts of indecent assault of a child, one count of buggery of a boy under 16, and making indecent photographs of a child. After a month-long trial at Brighton Crown Court, he was found guilty on all but one count of attempted buggery.
Justice at Last for Victims
“These victims have lived with the trauma of Clarke’s crimes for decades,” said Investigator Nicky Beard. “He likely thought he’d never face justice. The bravery of these 14 men is incredible. This verdict proves offenders can be caught no matter how long ago the abuse happened.”
Clarke remains in custody and will return to Brighton Crown Court on Monday, 1 June. Police urge anyone with information about historic abuse to come forward and help bring more perpetrators to justice.
