Berenice Mulvanny and Graham Gilbert successfully prosecute school teacher for historic sexual offences

21st April 2026

Berenice Mulvanny 3PB Barristers' specialist criminal law barrister, led her fellow Crime and Regulatory crime colleague Graham Gilbert, in securing the conviction of 82-year old former teacher David Clarke.

After a five-week trial at Brighton Crown Court, Mr Clarke was convicted unanimously of 45 counts of historic sexual offending against 14 boys committed whilst he was a teacher at a (now closed) private prep school in Sussex during the late 1970’s and 1980’s.

Clarke's conviction is a significant case in the ongoing efforts to prosecute those who sexually exploit children and adults, regardless of how long ago the abuse took place. The Crown Prosecution Service has emphasized the importance of seeking justice for all victims, regardless of the time elapsed since the abuse.

Mr Clarke is due to be sentenced on 1 June 2026.

The case attracted widespread publicity and you can read more here: BBC and CPS.

To contact or instruct Berenice or Graham, please email Chambers Director Stuart Pringle on [email protected] or telephone 01962 868884.