Barrie Clarke

Barrie Clarke, a 66-year-old resident of Bildeston in Suffolk, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for a series of child sex offences committed nearly three decades ago in North Hertfordshire. The offences, which involved the rape and indecent assault of two young girls, came to light in 2023 when the victims bravely reported them to the police.

Clarke was arrested and charged after the reports surfaced. He stood trial at Cambridge Crown Court, where a seven-day hearing concluded on 15 January 2024 with his conviction. The jury found him guilty of one count of rape and eight counts of indecent assault against the first victim, who was as young as eight years old at the time of the attacks. Additionally, he was convicted of one count of indecent assault against a second girl under the age of 15. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Clarke denied all charges throughout the proceedings.

The sentencing judge imposed a 19-year custodial term, reflecting the gravity of the crimes and their lasting impact on the victims. Detective Constable Liz McGrath, who led the investigation for Hertfordshire Police, commended the victims' courage in coming forward. In a statement, she said: 'Firstly, I would like to commend the two victims for reporting these incidents to the police and for their support during this difficult time. They have shown unwavering bravery throughout.' McGrath further described Clarke's actions as 'sickening offending' that had caused profound harm, adding: 'Clarke preyed on these two young girls and has refused to hold himself accountable for his abhorrent behaviour. He is a sexual predator who will now remain behind bars for years to come, and his sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and the harm he has caused.'

The case was reported by the East Anglian Daily Times, highlighting Clarke's current address in Artiss Close, Bildeston, Suffolk. The offences occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, underscoring the long-term pursuit of justice enabled by the victims' determination to seek accountability after so many years.