A 57-year-old Bellshill Rapist, James Clacher, who absconded overseas following allegations of sexual offences has finally been found guilty.
James Clacher, reported missing from Bellshill in May 2022, was extradited to Scotland to stand prosecution after being located in Spain in May 2024 and apprehended under an international order.
He has been convicted of the grave sexual assault of two women in August 2019 and September 2020.
Detective Inspector Bruce Fyfe stated: “It is challenging to grasp the anguish and torment James Clacher inflicted upon the women involved in this case.” I trust this conviction provides them with some measure of solace. He will now confront the repercussions of his conduct.
Subsequent to the missing person report, comprehensive investigations were conducted to ascertain his location.
“As the inquiry into the missing individual and sexual offences advanced, it became evident that he had departed the country to elude justice after fabricating his own demise.”
We collaborated closely with our international law enforcement partners, notably the National Crime Agency and Spanish Police, and the culprit was subjected to extradition proceedings.
James Clacher is scheduled for sentencing on 1 October.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this website, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.