CHRIS CLAYTON'S SHOCKING REIGN OF TERROR IN BRADFORD AND WAKEFIELD: CHILD SEX OFFENDER RETURNED TO PRISON

In a disturbing development, Chris Clayton, a convicted child sex offender with a history of heinous crimes in Bradford and Wakefield, has been released from prison only to be caught engaging in further predatory behavior. His early release in March 2015 has sparked outrage among local residents and authorities alike, especially given his previous conviction for abusing young girls.

Clayton, now 57, was living in Wakefield at the time of his latest arrest, which took place just last week. He was found residing within close proximity to a nursery—merely 20 yards away—and was also near six local schools, raising serious concerns about the safety of children in the area. Despite being on license, Clayton was caught grooming minors, including a 13-year-old girl. Evidence of his predatory behavior included sending her a Valentine’s card along with a toy monkey inscribed with the words “kiss me,” and obtaining her mobile number. He then invited her to a pub to play pool, further demonstrating his manipulative tactics aimed at young victims.

Authorities also revealed that Clayton had tricked a man into inviting him to a social gathering where his grandchildren were present, indicating his continued efforts to ingratiate himself into community settings while pursuing his criminal interests. The police raided the hostel in Wakefield where Clayton was residing, and he was promptly arrested while out on license. His breach of the conditions that prohibited him from contacting children led to his re-imprisonment to serve the remainder of his 16-year sentence.

A police source commented on the case, stating, “The girl was lucky he was nabbed before anything happened.” Her mother expressed her shock and frustration, saying, “I can’t believe he was on the streets and no one was warned.” The local community has voiced strong opinions, with many calling for the hostel to be shut down. However, the Justice Ministry defended the use of such facilities, asserting that they allow for offender supervision and management.

Historically, Clayton’s criminal record dates back to July 1998, when he was 45 years old and residing in Bradford. He admitted to seven counts of rape and six counts of indecent assault involving girls aged between 11 and 14. His crimes were committed after he had established relationships with the victims’ families, which facilitated his access to the young girls. During his trial, it was revealed that Clayton had threatened his victims with death, telling them he would bury their bodies in the Pennines if they disclosed his abuse. One victim recounted that the abuse persisted over several years, causing her significant trauma, and her friend was also victimized by Clayton.

The court also heard that Clayton raped a third girl when she was approximately 14 years old, and during the assault, he falsely claimed she would become pregnant, inflicting severe psychological harm. It was further disclosed that Clayton had committed a sexual assault while his girlfriend was in the same bed, and over a five-year period, he was known locally as the “life and soul” of his social club in Bradford, often drinking there with the families of his victims.

In an interview from 1998, a woman from Bradford, Amanda, 32, expressed her regret for not reporting an attempted rape by Clayton six years prior to his first known conviction. She described her horror at the incident, which she believes could have alerted authorities earlier to his dangerous tendencies. Amanda recounted her experience, saying, “Maybe I was naive and scared, but I never followed it up with the police. Maybe if I had, then the truth about Clayton would have come to light earlier.”

Following his recent sentencing, Clayton was jailed for 16 years after being convicted of multiple rapes and indecent assaults on young girls. The mothers of his victims are now contemplating appealing his sentence, with one calling for him to serve a life sentence. Bradford North MP Terry Rooney has also called for a review of sentencing guidelines for rapists, emphasizing the need for harsher penalties to protect the community.

Amanda, who now resides in the Bolton area of Bradford, shared her personal experience of Clayton’s initial assault, recalling how he came into her house in 1986 and attempted to assault her. She described how she managed to fend him off by claiming she was on her period and promised to sleep with him the following week. Her account detailed the frightening moment she was pinned to the floor and subjected to slobbering by Clayton. When she reported the incident to her husband, he attempted to confront Clayton, but Clayton refused to answer the door. Despite the incident, Amanda chose not to pursue a formal police complaint, fearing the trauma of a court case. She expressed her deep regret, saying, “When I read the Telegraph & Argus about him going to jail, it made me cry. He should have been put away for life for doing what he did to those children.”

As Clayton’s case continues to resonate within the community, questions remain about the adequacy of the supervision and monitoring of offenders released into society. The case underscores the ongoing risks posed by convicted sex offenders and the importance of vigilant community safeguarding measures.