A man who staged his own death to escape rape charges has been convicted of attacking two women. James Clacher was found guilty on Wednesday following an international manhunt that led police from Scotland to Spain.
The 57-year-old faced trial for raping two women in separate incidents during August 2019 and September 2020. Clacher went missing from Airdrie in North Lanarkshire on 30 May 2022, just as his court case was due to begin.
Elaborate deception exposed
Clacher's car, a Suzuki Swift, was discovered the following day at Loch Long car park in Arrochar, Argyll and Bute. The staged scene was designed to convince authorities he had died, but investigators later established he had fled to Spain.
Police traced Clacher's movements and worked with international law enforcement to locate him. He was arrested in Spain in May 2024 and subsequently extradited back to Scotland to face justice.
Detective's response
Detective Inspector Bruce Fyfe said: "It's difficult to comprehend the distress and suffering Clacher caused the women in this case. I hope this conviction brings them some form of comfort. He will now face the consequences of his actions."
The detective explained the investigation process: "Following the missing person report, extensive inquiries were carried out to establish his whereabouts. As the investigation into the missing person and sexual offences progressed, it became clear he had left the country to evade justice after faking his own death."
International cooperation
DI Fyfe detailed the collaborative effort: "We worked closely with our international law enforcement colleagues, including the National Crime Agency and Spanish police and the perpetrator was subject to extraditions proceedings."
He emphasised the commitment to justice: "This conviction demonstrates our commitment to thoroughly investigating serious offences and pursuing those who seek to avoid prosecution, no matter where they go."
The detective urged victims to come forward: "If anyone is experiencing or has experienced any type of sexual abuse, we have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences. Please report it and be assured you will be fully supported and listened to."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
