In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Tony Clough, 72, remains incarcerated following his conviction for a lifetime of predatory sexual abuse. On appearing at Nottingham Crown Court in 2019, the defendant—of Sharratt Court, Mansfield—was found guilty of 15 charges, including the rape of children under 13 and sexual assault. It was reported that Clough, who had moved to Tenerife prior to his arrest, targeted five boys over several decades in what was described as a “catalogue of filth.”
The investigation established the “staining” impact of Clough’s actions on his victims. Nottinghamshire Police reported that the investigation took 22 months from the initial allegations to the final conviction. The prosecution reported that Clough’s behaviour was persistent throughout his adult life and that his victims were “irrevocably” affected by the trauma. The investigation established that Clough sat in silence as he was convicted of eight counts of child rape and various other sexual offences by a jury of five women and seven men.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Clough is a dangerous offender who poses a high risk of causing serious harm to the public, particularly young boys. Nottingham Crown Court heard that Clough would likely reoffend as soon as possible if given the opportunity. The investigation established that the trial stripped away the victims’ dignity, though one survivor was heard quietly thanking the jury as they left the courtroom after delivering the guilty verdicts.
Judge Stuart Rafferty QC noted that the fact that Clough was in his mid-60s at the time of sentencing could not shield him from justice. For his actions in Mansfield, Clough was handed a 30-year sentence. The judge noted that the severity of the crimes meant Clough must serve at least 20 years before he can even seek parole, meaning he will be at least 85 years old before any potential release, and could remain in prison until the age of 95.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Tony Clough is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 30 years (Sentenced 2019).
- Parole Eligibility: Not before 2039 (Earliest release age: 85).
- Extended Licence: 8 years (Subject to immediate recall until age 103).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court following a Nottinghamshire Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Rape of a child under 13 (8 counts); Rape; Attempted rape of a child; Sexual assault (3 counts).
- Origin: Sharratt Court, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Clough is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) at the highest level of scrutiny. Due to the nature of his conduct in Mansfield, which involved a lifetime of systematic sexual violence against boys, his management is a maximum priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his “dangerousness” designation ensures that even if he survives his 20-year minimum term, his release will be subject to the most stringent conditions ever imposed by a parole board.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Clough must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence if he is ever released. Authorities state that his history of fleeing to Tenerife in an attempt to escape his past in Nottinghamshire necessitates permanent vigilance. Any future attempt to approach a minor, travel abroad without authorization, or fail to disclose his location to the authorities will result in immediate arrest and a return to the prison system for the remainder of his life.
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