Former Cathedral Verger Jailed for Sexually Assaulting Two Teenage Boys

Clive McCleester, 77, was sentenced to 16 years in prison on Thursday after pleading guilty to 10 counts of sexual abuse. The offenses occurred between 1968 and 1987.

McCleester's first victim was assaulted between 1969 and 1970 while McCleester was a child welfare supervisor at a Hampshire boarding school. The second victim was sexually abused in the 1980s when McCleester was the head verger at Southwark Cathedral. He abused the victim, who was a chorister, at his flat.

The victims came forward in 2019 and 2020 respectively. The Crown Prosecution Service said McCleester's abuse left both victims with "lifelong trauma."

Momata Matin, senior crown prosecutor from the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit in London South, said: "McCleester flagrantly abused his position of authority and trust within the communities he served to commit vile offences against young boys."

"The abuse has clearly had a profound impact on the victims. I would like to highlight the bravery of the victims and thank them, the witnesses, and the prosecution team, for helping bring McCleester to justice."

"The first victim sadly passed away after giving police his evidence, so was unable to hear the guilty verdict. I hope his family can have a sense of peace knowing that justice has been finally served."