Former North Wales teacher charged with multiple child sexual offences

A former teacher from Ellesmere Port has been charged with nearly 30 sexual offences involving children following a detailed investigation by Cheshire Police.

Simon Clarke, 46, who previously worked at a school in the North Wales area, was initially arrested in August 2023 as part of an investigation by the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team at Cheshire Constabulary.

He was later released on conditional bail, with safeguarding measures put in place.

Following a review by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Clarke has now been charged with the following offences:

• One count of inciting a child under 13 to engage in penetrative sexual activity.
• Two counts of inciting a child under 13 to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.
• Two counts of inciting a child under 16 to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.
• 21 counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child under 16.
• Making 26 indecent images of children in Category A.
• Making 29 indecent images of children in Category B.
• Making 81 indecent images of children in Category C.

The charges relate to 26 victims under the age of 16 and are alleged to have taken place between November 2016 and April 2023.

Clarke appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court today, Friday 28 February, where he was released on conditional bail. He is scheduled to appear at Chester Crown Court on Friday 28 March.

A spokesperson said: “Cheshire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Clarke are now active and that he has a right to a fair trial.”

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”