A former Southwark Cathedral verger has been jailed for eight years for the sexual abuse of two teenage boys between 1969 and 1987.
Clive McCleester, 77, of Winchester, had pleaded guilty to eight counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency three days before his trial was due to begin.
He was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Monday, July 10. On top of his eight-year jail sentence, he will spend eight years on licence.
Former Southwark Cathedral verger admits to historic sexual abuse of two boys
Praising the “relentless” work of investigators, DS Hannah Stewart said in a statement: “Both victim/families [sic] feel they have been failed by institutions that were supposed to protect them.
“We hope they can feel an element of peace knowing that justice has been finally served. McCleester is a vile predator who has no place in society.”
McCleester, who once oversaw visitors to the Queen Mother’s tomb at Windsor Castle, committed his crimes between 1969 and 1971 at Tylney Hall School, Hampshire, and between 1984 and 1987 in Southwark Cathedral.
Sadly, the Tylney Hall victim died in August 2020, but his family represented him at court in his absence.
Detective Sergeant Hannah Stewart said McCleester’s crimes had been “devastating” for those involved and urged other potential victims to step forward.
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A spokesperson for Southwark Cathedral has previously offered “a full and unreserved apology to all those affected by this matter” and commended “the bravery of those who brought this to light”.
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McCleester targeted the first victim, aged thirteen, while employed as a child welfare officer at Tylney Hall between 1960 and 1971.
He was assigned to look out for the boy after his grandmother died.
McCleester abused the teenager at his private residence at the boarding school between January 1969 and April 1971.
McCleester targeted his second victim, also aged thirteen, while working as Head Verger at Southwark Cathedral – a role involving caretaking and ordering of religious services – between January 1984 and May 1987.
The boy, who was a chorister at the Cathedral, was abused at McCleester’s flat inside the vicarage.
The historic nature of the crimes meant specialist officers had to gather “a vast amount” of documentation to build up the necessary evidence.
McCleester was charged in February 2022 and pleaded guilty on June 26 2023.
Advice and details of charities that can offer support to victims of sexual offences can be found on the Met’s website. The Met has specially trained officers who will listen and support you through the investigative process.
