Sunday, December 9, 2018

'I'm a demon inside': Teacher convicted of sex crimes sought treatment

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A former music teacher convicted of sexually abusing students at two Ottawa high schools sought treatment from more than a dozen psychologists and psychiatrists — and even asked to be castrated  — all while he continued working with children.

A risk behaviour report filed with the Ontario Court of Justice reveals retired teacher Bob Clarke, now 74, began seeking professional help as far back as 1969.

Clarke taught at a number of Ottawa schools between 1968 and 1992. In March, he pleaded guilty to sex crimes involving eight teenage boys at two high schools, Bell and Sir Robert Borden, during the 1970s, '80s and '90s. He's currently serving a two-year prison sentence.

CBC News has learned Clarke sought treatment over a period spanning 23 years.

"If he was trying to get help, the system failed us. It failed him as well as me and the other victims," said John Myers, one of Clarke's victims at Bell High School in the late 1970s.

The 2017 sexual behaviours assessment, commissioned by Clarke's lawyer and produced by the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, concludes Clarke fell through the cracks.  (more...)



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