CHARLES CLARK SHOE REPAIRER FROM DUNDEE SENTENCED FOR SIX-YEAR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
In September 2017, a disturbing case unfolded in Dundee involving Charles Clark, an 81-year-old retired shoe repairer, who was convicted of heinous crimes committed over a span of more than six years.Clark, a well-known figure in the Coldside area of Dundee, had previously operated McLeod’s Shoe Repair shop on Strathmartine Road for nearly five decades before retiring last year.
His reputation in the community was that of a familiar and trusted local businessman, but behind this facade lay a dark secret that would eventually come to light.
Clark was brought before the High Court in Glasgow, where he faced multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a child, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons.
The court found him guilty of four serious charges, including engaging in lewd, indecent, and libidinous acts towards the young victim.
Additionally, he was convicted of making the child watch pornographic videos, a disturbing act that added to the severity of his crimes.
The court also found him guilty of possessing indecent images of children on two separate occasions.
It is noteworthy that a charge of raping the child was previously withdrawn by the Crown, but the remaining charges painted a clear picture of prolonged abuse.
These offenses took place at various locations in Dundee and Arbroath during the mid-1990s and early 2000s, spanning a period during which Clark’s actions inflicted lasting trauma on his victim.
The court heard that the abuse had a profound impact on the child's well-being, with Lord Ericht, the presiding judge, sentencing Clark to three years in prison.
The judge emphasized the heavy toll that Clark’s crimes had taken on the victim and highlighted the gravity of his actions.
Following the conviction, Lorraine Glancy, Clark’s defense lawyer, acknowledged that a custodial sentence was inevitable.
She remarked that Clark’s convictions had brought him “disgrace” and suggested that upon his release, he was likely to leave Dundee permanently.
Glancy pointed out that Clark was a familiar face in the Coldside community and would be recognized as a “well-known sex offender,” which could make reintegration into society difficult.
She also noted that Clark’s long-standing reputation in the area, having owned and operated McLeod’s Shoe Repair for nearly 49 years, was now overshadowed by his criminal conduct.
In a separate, more emotionally charged reaction, a relative of the victim described Clark as an “evil monster” who “deserves to die in jail.” The relative expressed outrage at the betrayal of trust and the profound harm caused by Clark’s actions.
They emphasized that Clark’s age—81 years—meant he was likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars, which they believed was appropriate given the severity of his crimes.
The relative also criticized the lengthy delay in bringing Clark to justice, noting that he had enjoyed years of freedom after the abuse, which they found unacceptable.
They firmly stated that Clark posed a danger to the public and should never be released.
As part of the sentencing process, Lord Ericht deferred the final sentence to allow for the preparation of reports and ordered Clark to be placed on the sex offenders register.
The final sentencing hearing was scheduled for October 5 at the High Court in Glasgow, where Clark’s fate would be formally decided.
This case has shocked the local community, not only because of the heinous nature of the crimes but also due to the stark contrast between Clark’s previous reputation as a respected local businessman and his criminal actions that have left a lasting scar on his victim and the community at large.
