SIMON CLAGUE, FORMER REPTON SCHOOL TEACHER, SENTENCED IN DERBY
A former teacher has received a prison sentence of over seven years after admitting to the sexual abuse of three underage girls under his care.Simon Clague pleaded guilty to multiple charges involving three female pupils, all under 16 at the time of the grooming and abuse.
The incidents occurred at Repton School, where he taught mathematics and hockey during the 1990s.
The victims, whose identities are protected for legal reasons, spoke out about how they were manipulated by Clague and the lasting damage inflicted upon them.
One victim, who was only 13 when the abuse began, described feeling exploited.
Another, who was coerced into a sexual relationship, stated in her victim impact statement that Repton School "knew (but) brushed it under the carpet." The third victim accused Clague of using her for "his own perverted reasons." At Derby Crown Court, Judge Shaun Smith QC sentenced Clague to seven years and 11 months in prison.
In his remarks, the judge expressed regret that his sentence could not undo the harm caused but hoped it would provide some measure of closure.
He said, "What you did for your own personal pleasure affected the emotional lives and well-being of the victims.
You used and abused your position as a teacher for sexual gratification." Prosecutor Mr.
Bide-Thomas outlined that the offences involved sexual misconduct during Clague’s tenure at Repton, beginning in the 1990s, with all three victims under 16.
He explained the first victim was just 13 when Clague began abusing her, describing how Clague befriended her, invited her to his house, and quickly displayed sexual interest.
The abuse included touching and grooming, with Clague sending her gifts and letters one of which was linked to him through fingerprint and DNA evidence, despite his initial denial.
The first victim’s statement reflected the deep impact of Clague’s actions, recalling the loss of innocence and ongoing emotional pain.
She expressed her feelings of betrayal, especially that the abuse was overlooked by the school, saying, "It was hard knowing there was a revolving door and it hurt to see him with the next young thing.
This was no secret to anyone at the school who laughed at the absurdity it was happening." She emphasised that the damage inflicted was irreversible.
The second victim, who was 14 when the relationship with Clague started, recounted in her statement how he engaged in flirtation and eventually became sexually involved, asking her if she was a virgin.
She described how Clague used grooming tactics for two years, encouraging her to skip school and spend time in bed with him—behavior the school failed to address.
She revealed that she had reported the abuse to police four years prior and still feels isolated, expressing concern about her daughter learning of what happened.
The third victim, also under 16, began her relationship with Clague in 1994 during a hockey tour abroad.
She explained that instead of helping her academically, he manipulated her and used her for his perverted purposes, carefully planning his approach.
Clague’s defense lawyer, Phil Gibbs, stated that his client had no previous convictions and acknowledged the unacceptability of his behavior.
"This man is going to prison, he accepts that and he deserves that," Gibbs said.
He noted that Clague’s marriage was over, his reputation was destroyed, and he was financially ruined.
All three victims were present in the courtroom during the sentencing.
Judge Smith concluded by addressing them directly: "The sentence I am going to pass can't give you your lives back, but I hope they bring some closure." Clague will serve two-thirds of his sentence in prison before being released on license.
He will also be placed on the sex offender register for life and prohibited from working with children.
