ANDREW CLARK FROM TRING JAILED FOR CHILD PORN AND SEXUAL OFFENCES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Tring, Andrew Clark, a 58-year-old former officer at Chiltern District Council, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving minors. The conviction followed a series of disturbing discoveries made by his wife, Morwenna Clark, which ultimately led to his arrest and prosecution.

Morwenna Clark became suspicious of her husband’s activities when she suspected he was having an affair. However, her suspicions took a darker turn when she decided to check his computer in September 2002. Instead of finding evidence of an extramarital affair, she was shocked to discover that Andrew Clark was viewing child pornography. She observed him at his computer, and upon further inspection, she saw images depicting naked children and young adolescents. Her concern grew as she continued to watch and realized the extent of his illicit activities.

Following her discovery, Mrs. Clark enlisted the help of a friend to examine Clark’s computer more thoroughly. Their investigation revealed a collection of A4-sized images downloaded from the internet, containing explicit sexual content involving children. Additionally, they found more than 30 CDs filled with similar material. These findings prompted immediate action, and in December 2002, police raided Clark’s home in Mulberry Close, Tring. Despite Clark’s efforts to erase evidence by attempting to wipe his computer’s hard drive, law enforcement officials managed to recover enough material to charge him with serious offences.

Further investigations into Clark’s activities revealed that he had indecently assaulted two young girls. The police began their inquiries into these allegations last year after two women came forward, accusing him of sexual abuse when they were between the ages of nine and 13. The court heard that Clark’s marriage was already on the rocks, heading toward divorce, and his relationship with his family had deteriorated significantly.

During the trial at Aylesbury Crown Court, Clark admitted to seven counts of indecent assault on the two girls, one charge of gross indecency with one of the victims, and five counts of possessing and creating indecent images of children. His defense lawyer, Tamla McGhee, stated that Clark expressed “total remorse and complete shame” for his actions. She also emphasized that there was no evidence of violence or distribution of the images, and that Clark’s behavior was indicative of deep remorse.

Judge Roger Connor addressed the court, highlighting the gravity of Clark’s offences. He remarked, “All indecent assaults with children are serious and have long-term consequences by damaging their emotional development.”

DC Deborah Lee of Thames Valley Police’s Criminal Investigation Department underscored the importance of justice for the victims, stating, “It is important for the victims that they have closure. With this case, it was not so much about the sentence, it was about the fact that he admitted what he had done.”

As part of his sentence, Andrew Clark will be placed on the sex offenders register. He resigned from his position as members and electoral manager at Chiltern District Council in January, following the revelations. This case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking behind seemingly ordinary community members and the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.