Newbiggin-by-the-Sea pedophile Brian Clark is jailed

Brian Clark, now 83, was handed the verdict after his brave victims came forward to report his not recent offence.

Frightened and confused, both victims remained silent, trying to move on with their lives.

However, the impact of Clark’s abuse haunted her throughout her adult life and in 2019 professionals from Northumbria Police Security were contacted.

Officers launched an investigation and arrested Clark of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

He was later charged with 13 offenses, including nine counts of rape, gross indecency and indecent assault.

Clark denied all wrongdoing and the case went to trial.

He was found guilty on all charges when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court last month. On July 17, a judge at the same court heard heartbreaking statements from both victims.

One victim said: “I feel like my childhood has been stolen and my innocence has been taken from me.”

“I feel like I’ve lived my life so far as a lie to everyone.

“It really ruined my faith in people.”

Echoing these feelings, the second victim also spoke of her inability to confide in people about their children and her difficulties in forming relationships.

The judge sentenced Clark to 25 years in prison. He is also required to be on the sex offender register for life.

Detective Sergeant Jaclyn Younger, who led the investigation, said: “Brian Clark prepared his victims, thinking he was going to die a free man, not believing they would speak out about the abuse.”

“How wrong he was to ever doubt the bravery of these two women.

“I sincerely hope that his conviction and sentence will not only be a comfort to both survivors, but also give them the confidence to live their lives to the fullest.”

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“These amazing women deserve all the happiness that life has to offer and I am so grateful to them – thanks to you, justice has been served.”

She added, “This case shows that it is never too late to speak up and that justice is possible no matter how much time has passed.”

“If you’ve suffered in silence, now is the time to speak up.”

Both victims remain anonymous for life and should not be named or identified.

You can report abuse by calling 101 or using the reporting tool on the Force website. You can also find more information about available support there.