ANTHONY CLARK FROM DUNDEE AND FORFAR SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD SEXUAL ABUSE

In December 2019, a man from Angus, Anthony Clark, was sentenced to five years and three months in prison for a prolonged history of sexual abuse against a young girl, which took place more than thirty years ago. Clark, aged 74 at the time of sentencing, had previously worked at the Dundee Michelin tyre factory and was later residing in Glenclova Terrace, Forfar.

Clark’s criminal conduct spanned a five-year period during the 1980s, during which he repeatedly preyed on the same girl. The abuse was described by the court as “disgusting” and sustained over a significant period. The court heard that Clark had pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent behaviour and indecent assault, which occurred between September 1983 and September 1988.

During the sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Uist emphasized the serious and enduring impact of Clark’s actions on his victim, stating, “Your abuse of her has had a serious and lasting impact over the past 30 years.” The judge also condemned Clark’s attitude, noting that although he had admitted guilt and thus spared his victim the ordeal of giving evidence, he had nonetheless blamed her for what happened. Lord Uist described this as “deplorable.”

Clark’s history of offending was initially disclosed when the victim, who was a teenager at the time, reported the abuse in 1989. Following her disclosure, a children’s charity was contacted, and police questioned Clark, who denied any involvement. The victim later reported the abuse again in 2016, prompting further police investigation.

Advocate depute Peter Ferguson QC explained that during the renewed investigation, Clark was interviewed in August of the previous year after he declined legal representation. During this interview, Clark made detailed admissions regarding his sexual conduct towards the victim but attempted to suggest that the abuse was initiated by her. The police subsequently placed Clark on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Judge Uist remarked that if Clark had been convicted after a jury trial, he would have faced a sentence of seven years. He underscored the importance of long prison terms for those who commit such crimes, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences. The case highlights the long-lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse and the importance of justice, even decades after the crimes occurred.