Two rapist brothers jailed for horrific catalogue of sexual assaults over 25 years

Andrew Clark, 38, and younger brother Jason Clark, 35, were found guilty of a series of horrific sexual assaults on children last year and sentenced on Tuesday, April 5.

Andrew Clark was found guilty of the following charges:

• Three counts of indecent assault of a female under 14
• Indecent assault of a male on five occasions
• Attempted rape
• Sexual assault of a child under 13
• Sexual assault
• Sexual assault of a child
• Three counts of rape of a female under 16
• Rape of a child
• Indecent assault of a child

Andrew, formerly of Denewood Crescent, Bilborough, preyed on six vulnerable children. Judge Mark Watson described his offenses as "abhorrent and cruel" and sentenced him to 22-and-a-half years in custody with a one-year extension on his license period upon release. He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and must register as a sex offender.

Brother Jason, also formerly of Denewood Crescent, Bilborough, was found guilty of sexual offenses against two children, including:

• Four counts of indecent assault of a female under 14
• Two counts of rape on a female under 16

The brothers were also found guilty of jointly raping a child under 16 on two occasions. Jason Clark, a father-of-seven, received a total of 10 years in prison, of which he will serve half and the rest on license upon release.

Detective Constable Ruth Statham, who led the investigation, said: "I firstly want to express my thanks to the many victims of these horrific crimes for their bravery in speaking out. Their bravery cannot be underestimated and victims who had previously feared speaking out and not felt believed have stood up so selflessly to be cross-examined and take part in this trial to help put a stop to others suffering at the same hands."

"I hope it sends a very strong message to everyone that even though some of the allegations are of age that we will always do everything in our power to bring the offenders to justice - and that no matter how old the offenses are no one can outrun their past and their crimes will catch up with them."

"The crimes that were committed by both Andrew and Jason are unspeakable and I can only hope that their convictions will help bring a little peace and closure to their victims."

"This was an incredibly detailed investigation and a lengthy trial but I would like to thank the hard work and commitment of the Crown Prosecution lawyer Anne McCarroll and prosecutor Sally Hobson for their dedication to this case."

"I hope that both Andrew and Jason will now realize that they could never get away with such disgusting crimes and that their inevitable time behind bars will give them a chance to reflect on the cruelty and emotional turmoil they have caused their victims."