October 2015 Former music teacher jailed for 20 years for 25 counts of child sexual abuse A 79-year-old former music teacher from Melton has been jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of multiple sex offences against children. John Clark, of Thames Drive, was charged with 26 offences against four boys aged between eight and 13 during a six-year period from the mid-1970s when he taught at the Aldro School in Shackleford, Surrey. Clark was found guilty by a jury of 24 counts of indecent assault and one count of buggery. Addressing Clark, Judge Stephen Climie said: “The harm caused by your behaviour – it is severe psychological harm at the most extreme level. “The four boys were particularly vulnerable, not just because of their ages, but also taking into account their personal circumstances being boarders in the school, which had a strong regimented aspect where the teachers were trusted and the child complied.” He added: “You became obsessed with your own sexual gratification. You took opportunity after opportunity to abuse these boys.” Clark is currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, and had an operation in February due to having colon cancer also. He will turn 80 on November 16. Giving evidence on October 16, one of the victims, who aged from eight to 13, told the court Clark abused him “several times a week for a couple of years”. Commenting on the sentencing DC Michael Chalk said: “Today’s result demonstrates the depravity and severity of the abuse which Clark metered out to his victims. He used his position of authority and trust to groom the children who were pupils at the school where he taught. “His victims included choristers, musicians and literary students. He duped them and their parents into believing he was a safe and reliable mentor, when in fact he was insidiously weaving his way into their lives before sexually abusing them. “He would encourage the youngsters’ enthusiasm for music and on some occasions invited them to his family home or away on trips. “He would became part of their lives, even visiting a pupil during the Christmas holidays to lure him away to further satisfy his abhorrent behaviour – he clearly had his own separate agenda and did not waiver from this over many years. He added: “I hope today’s sentencing will give closure and go some way in helping his victims move on with their lives. “During the trial, which has been particularly harrowing, they have had to hear how their abuser claimed the offending was caused by another teacher at the school – a man who is now deceased. They are to be commended for their courage and fortitude in coming forward and pursuing this prosecution after many years.”