NORMAN Clarke, a retired priest who was a Priest-in-Charge in the Diocese of Exeter from 1988 to 1995, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register at Leicester Crown Court after pleading guilty to six counts of indecent assault of a minor.

The offences date back to his time before ordination when he was a teacher in Leicestershire in the 1970s.

Mr Clarke was Priest-in-Charge of the parishes of Cheriton Bishop, Dunsford and Doddiscombsleigh, from 1988 to 1995.

Following his retirement, he held Permission to Officiate and for a year was Acting Rural Dean of Ottery from 2002 to 2003.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Exeter said: “Safeguarding is of paramount importance and the diocese has been working with the police and relevant authorities since these allegations were reported.

“Irrespective of whether or not the offences were committed before Norman Clarke was ordained, these crimes betray the high standards expected of clergy and church officers.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the survivor of the abuse who has lived with this for so long and all who have been affected by it.

“This news may be upsetting for anyone who knew Norman Clarke during his parish ministry in Devon. If, therefore, you would like to speak to someone in confidence, please contact a member of the Diocese of Exeter’s Safeguarding Team (https://exeter.anglican.org/resources/safeguarding/safeguarding-team/ ) or telephone 01392 294975.”