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

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.

One victim said: “I feel like I have been robbed of my childhood and my innocence was taken away from me.

“I feel as if I’ve lived my life up to now as a lie to everyone.

“It has truly ruined my trust in people.”

Echoing these sentiments, the second victim also spoke of her inability to trust people with her children and her struggles to build relationships.

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.

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

“I sincerely hope his conviction and sentence is not just a comfort for both survivors but something that gives them the confidence to live their lives to the fullest.

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“These amazing women deserve every happiness life has to offer and I am so thankful to them – because of 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 been suffering in silence, now is the time to speak up.”

Both victims have anonymity for life and should not be named or identified.

You can report abuse by calling 101 or via the reporting tool on the Force’s website, where you can also find further information about support available.