Former Ottawa music teacher convicted of sex crimes charged again

A former Ottawa teacher who was previously convicted of sexually abusing 10 boys in the 1970s, 80s and 90s is now facing a new sexual assault charge.

Robert "Bob" Clarke, now 80, taught music and led bands at both Bell High School and Sir Robert Borden High School in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB). 

On Nov. 14, Clarke was charged with one count of sexual assault that allegedly occurred between 1983 and 1986. He was released on bail, agreeing to comply with conditions. 

Clarke is to remain in his Morrisburg-area home between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily and cannot communicate with the person who made the most recent allegation. Clarke can't go to Bell High School, nor is he to communicate directly or indirectly with males under the age of 16, unless in the presence of his surety.

CBC cannot report the name of the alleged victim due to a publication ban. 

Previous charges, convictions

In March 2018, Clarke was initially convicted of sexual crimes against eight of his former students at two Ottawa high schools between 1973 and 1992. At that time he pleaded guilty to charges of gross indecency and sexual assault.

The court heard he inappropriately touched, propositioned or sexually assaulted the teenage boys in classrooms, on band trips and outside school.

While he was serving a two-year sentence at Joyceville Institution near Kingston, Ont., Clarke was again charged in the fall of 2018. 

On March 1, 2019, while still in prison, Clarke pleaded guilty in Ottawa court to two counts of gross indecency against two other former students. 

• Former Ottawa teacher guilty of more sex crimes 

Podcast prompted more complaints

A CBC investigation in 2018 and the subsequent CBC podcast The Band Played On uncovered stories of victims and unravelled mysteries behind years of allegations. It led to more victims coming forward, and more jail time for Clarke.

He was released from prison after serving about 18 months.

Several victims asked the court to lift the publication ban on their names so they could go public and describe what happened to them. 

CBC stories revealed that several people had warned teachers and school authorities about Clarke's inappropriate behaviour over the years, but the abuse continued until 1992 when Clarke was forced out of teaching.

CBC also found Clarke had been seen by more than a dozen psychiatrists and psychologists over the years, seeking help for his inappropriate behaviour toward male students. Yet all the while, he continued to teach.

A number of victims continue to pursue civil action against Clarke, the OCDSB and the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, alleging negligence.

Clarke's next appearance in criminal court in Ottawa is set for Dec. 10.