CLIVE MCCLEESTER PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES IN WINCHESTER AND SOUTHWARK

In a significant development in a long-running investigation, Clive McCleester, a 77-year-old man from Winchester, has admitted to multiple serious charges related to child sexual offences. The case, which spanned several decades, was brought to a close after meticulous and detailed investigative work by specialist officers who unearthed a substantial amount of historical evidence to establish his guilt.

On Monday, 26 June, McCleester appeared before the Inner London Crown Court to face the charges. He pleaded guilty to eight counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency with a child, all concerning two different teenage boys. The gravity of these offences underscores the extensive nature of the abuse and the efforts made by law enforcement to bring justice.

The first victim, who was between 13 and 15 years old at the time of the abuse, was under McCleester’s care while he was employed as a child welfare officer at Tylney Hall School in Hampshire. This period of employment spanned from 1960 to 1971. During this time, McCleester resided at the school’s boarding facilities, living in his own private residence on the premises. The abuse occurred between January 1, 1969, and April 1971, during which McCleester was assigned to look after the victim following the death of his grandmother. The victim later disclosed his experiences to police after speaking with a counsellor, but tragically, he passed away in August 2020 before the case could reach its final resolution. Law enforcement maintained contact with his family throughout the investigation to ensure his story was heard.

The second victim, also around 13 years old at the time, came forward after many years to reveal that he had been abused by McCleester at Southwark Cathedral. This abuse took place between January 1, 1984, and May 1987. At that time, the second victim was a chorister at the Cathedral, where McCleester served as the Head Verger. The abuse occurred at McCleester’s flat, which was located within the vicarage of the Cathedral. The lengthy time span of these offences required investigators to undertake extensive research, including reviewing archived files, employment records from both the local authority and Southwark Cathedral, and tracing individuals connected to the case.

Specialist officers meticulously examined various systems and historical documentation to gather the necessary evidence. They interviewed former pupils and other individuals connected to the institutions involved, aiming to piece together the timeline and circumstances of the abuse. Additionally, medical reports were obtained to corroborate the accounts provided by the victims, strengthening the case against McCleester. The comprehensive nature of this investigation highlights the dedication of law enforcement to uncovering the truth, even many years after the offences occurred, and ensuring that justice is served for the victims.