Families Urged To Come Forward So Full Extent Of Offending Is Established

A mum has revealed her guilt over how her son was abused by a paedophile teaching assistant.

Daniel Clarke, who worked at a school in Solihull, has been jailed for more than seven years after targeting children. It is suspected Clarke, of Walsall, who separately was a personal assistant to several children, targeted approaching 100 victims, including those with special educational needs.

Legal team at Irwin Mitchell supporting those affected

After details of Clarke’s abuse were made public, a number of parents have instructed expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate civil claims for damages.

One mum being represented by Irwin Mitchell has spoken of the impact the abuse has had on her son and urged other families to come forward to report abuse so the full scale of Clarke’s offending can be known.

Tom Fletcher is an expert lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting Clarke’s abuse survivors.

Expert Opinion

“This is a deeply disturbing case which has seen an individual systematically abuse his position of trust in the most abhorrent way.

“While Clarke is now thankfully behind bars, the effects of his crimes continue to live on with those children and families he targeted.

“Our clients are understandably devastated and angry that someone entrusted with their children’s care was able to act in this way.

“We’re now being contacted by a growing group of families to investigate civil claims for damages. Nothing can ever make up for the abuse their children have suffered but we’re determined to at least help them access the specialist support they require to try and come to terms with what happened the best they can.

“As investigations continue into Clarke, we’d urge parents and children not to suffer in silence and report abuse to the authorities. That way the true scale of Clarke’s crimes can be known and measures taken to ensure better safeguarding practices are put in place to try and prevent this from happening again.” Tom Fletcher

Abuse: A mum's story

Clarke, who was employed as a teaching assistant and held responsibilities including online safeguarding, used his position of trust to groom and exploit vulnerable children.

He orchestrated off-site outings, overnight stays, and after-school activities where he covertly filmed children using hidden cameras. The then 28-year-old was jailed for seven-and-a-half years at Wolverhampton Crown Court in May. He had pleaded guilty to sexual offences against six vulnerable children.

However, following his sentencing police revealed they suspected Clarke may have abused "well over 81" children. 

The mum, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said Clarke groomed her son under the guise of mentorship and friendship.

He befriended the family, organising regular outings and even teaching the boy how to ride a bike.

Clarke went on to organise sleepovers for the boy at his home during which he covertly filmed him. Clarke manipulated situations, such as water fights, to get the boy to shower.

The mum said: “I trusted Clarke. He helped my son come out of his shell, made him feel included, and I thought he was doing something good for the kids. I never imagined he could be capable of something so horrific.

“My son had struggled to make friends and Clarke knew that. He used that to get close to him.

“When I was called to attend a meeting with the police, I immediately knew something was wrong. My heart sank. I just knew it was about Clarke.

“Since then, everything has changed. My son is withdrawn, anxious, and doesn’t talk to me about what happened.

“As a mum all I want to do is love and care for my son but I feel so powerless. I feel guilty about what happened. I just want him to be okay, and I want other parents to know they’re not alone.”

More mums speak out on impact of abuse on sons

Another mum, whose son was also targeted by Clarke, said: “To this day, I’m still shocked by everything that’s gone on with Clarke.

“He was entrusted with the care and support of so many children, including mine, and to find out what he did has left me feeling disgusted, disappointed and failed.  I also worry that it could all have been prevented.

“This is something that my son is going to struggle with for a long time and the impact its having is tremendous; I feel awful for him.  He’s now second guessing how everyone is towards him and its undoubtedly damaging relationships.

“I wish I could change what my son has been through, but I know I can’t.  I just need to be there for him as he tries his best to come to terms with it.”

A third mum added: “This has felt like a surreal nightmare for the whole family, and we still can’t believe we’re part of such a horrific investigation where our son is a victim.

“As a parent, I feel riddled with guilt and when I think about it, my stomach churns.  At the time, I genuinely believed Daniel Clarke cared a lot about the children and put his heart and soul into his job.  But looking back, I can now see that he would engineer situations where my son would need his help and support so he could build up trust with us all.

“I now feel apprehensive about my son going on school trips and to holiday clubs, and he’s lost his confidence and trust in people.  He’s developed social anxiety and I feel that’s all down to Daniel Clarke’s actions.

“Although Daniel Clarke is primarily responsible for this, I believe that questions need to be asked to stop this happening again.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting Harrods abuse survivors at the dedicated abuse claims section on our website. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.