Former Seaford Teacher Convicted Of Historic Child Sex Offences

A former teacher at a preparatory school in Seaford has been convicted of a series of non-recent sexual offences against children.

David Clarke, 82, formerly of Brancaster Staithe in Norfolk, was found guilty following a month-long trial at Brighton Crown Court.

Police began investigating after reports from former pupils at Newlands School and The Manor in Seaford, relating to incidents in the 1970s and 1980s.

In total, 14 victims were identified.

The court heard much of the abuse took place in a darkroom used for photography, where Clarke would take pupils as part of a school club.

Clarke, who taught at Newlands Preparatory School between 1978 and 1989, was convicted of multiple offences, including indecent assault and offences against children. He was found guilty on all but one count.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at the same court on 1 June.

Detective Nicky Beard praised the victims for coming forward, describing their actions as “incredibly brave” and highlighting that offenders can still be brought to justice, no matter how much time has passed.