An elderly teacher, David James Clarke, has been convicted of sexually assaulting numerous boys at a school photography dark room, where he worked at Newlands Preparatory School from 1978 to 1989. The 82-year-old committed over 40 instances of child sexual abuse, predominantly in the dark room used for developing photos.
Clarke, a former religious education teacher, targeted 14 children by inviting them to a club he managed and taking them to the dark room where he would engage in inappropriate behavior. His actions escalated from hugging and sitting on his lap to committing heinous acts of abuse.
Upon the discovery of indecent images on his computer, Clarke was apprehended by the police, leading to 14 victims bravely coming forward. He faced charges including indecent assault, indecent assault of a child, buggery, and making indecent photographs of children. Following a trial at Brighton Crown Court, he was found guilty on multiple counts and sentenced to 26 years in prison.
Claire Brinton, a Specialist Prosecutor, emphasized Clarke’s exploitation of vulnerable children for his own gratification and the importance of seeking justice for those who have suffered abuse. Investigator Nicky Beard encouraged any other potential victims to come forward and assured support in seeking justice.
