Locations
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, NE64
Description
A paedophile who sexually abused two schoolgirls, robbing them of their childhood, has been jailed for 25 years.
Brian Clark, now 83, was handed the sentence after his brave victims came forward to report his non-recent offending.
Frightened and confused, both victims stayed quiet and attempted to move forward with their lives.
But the impact of Clark’s abuse continued to haunt them throughout their adult life and in 2019, specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department were contacted.
Officers launched an investigation and arrested Clark, of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
He was later charged with 13 offences, including nine counts of rape, gross indecency, and indecent assault.
Clark denied all offences and the case was sent to trial.
Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court last month he was found guilty of all charges. On July 17, at the same court, a judge heard heartbreaking statements from both victims.
The judge sentenced Clark to 25 years behind bars. He must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
Detective Sergeant Jaclyn Younger, who led the investigation, said: “Brian Clark groomed his victims and thought he would die a free man, never believing they would speak out about the abuse.