ALAN BLACKLOCK RETURNS TO GREAT CLIFTON AND WORKINGTON AFTER SEX OFFENDER RELEASE

In September 2003, residents of West Cumbria, particularly those living in the villages of Great Clifton and Workington, expressed deep concern and fear following the return of a convicted sex offender to their community. The individual in question, Alan Blacklock, aged 67, had recently been released from prison after serving a sentence for multiple serious sexual offenses.

Blacklock's criminal history is grave. In April 1999, he was sentenced to a total of seven years in prison after admitting to the rape of a schoolgirl in the back of his car. His criminal record also includes a plea of guilty to five additional sexual offenses committed against another girl, with these crimes dating back to March 1997. These offenses underscored the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed to the community.

Originally residing on Cusack Crescent in Workington, Blacklock was released from incarceration on the Monday prior to reports emerging. It is believed that he has since moved to a residence in Great Clifton, ostensibly to be closer to family members. Despite his release, the court mandated that Blacklock be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the remainder of his life, a legal requirement intended to monitor and restrict his movements and activities.

Since the news of his return, local residents have been voicing their fears, although many have chosen to remain anonymous out of concern for their safety. One resident expressed their unease, stating, “There are kids around in Great Clifton and this man is a rapist. We are not happy about it.” The community’s apprehension is rooted in the potential risk posed by Blacklock, especially given the presence of children and vulnerable individuals in the area.

In response to these concerns, Cumbria police issued a statement aimed at reassuring the public. A police spokesman clarified, “While we will not comment on any individual case, where someone has been sentenced for a serious sexual offence, they will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register. Through this system, we have rigorous procedures in place, working with other agencies to assess and monitor the behaviour of the individual, which ensures public protection is paramount.”

Adding a tragic note to the case, it was revealed that Blacklock had five adult children. One of his children, Joseph, was also convicted of rape and died in Durham prison in September 1999 while on the same wing as his father, highlighting the disturbing nature of the family’s criminal history. The return of Alan Blacklock to West Cumbria has thus reignited fears among residents, who are anxious about the safety of their community and the potential for further harm.