CLIFFORD SLATFORD FROM WINSFORD AND NORTHWICH SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE
| Red Rose Database
Northwich Winsford Rapist
In a case that has shocked the communities of Northwich and Winsford, Clifford Slatford, aged 49, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of three young girls aged between seven and ten. The sentencing took place at Chester Crown Court, where the court heard harrowing details of the abuse that spanned over a three-year period.
Judge Roger Dutton delivered a stern verdict, condemning Slatford for his actions. Before imposing the sentence, the judge stated, “They were treated as liars and troublemakers but you are the liar and you are the troublemaker and you know it.” These words underscored the gravity of the crimes committed by Slatford, who was found guilty of 17 separate offences, including rape, indecent assault, and attempted rape. The conviction followed a rigorous two-week trial held in February, during which the evidence against him was thoroughly examined.
Prosecutor Gordon Hennell detailed that the offences occurred between 1993 and 1996, a period during which Slatford was entrusted with babysitting the victims. Some of the children involved were from Northwich, highlighting the widespread concern and impact of his actions within the local community. One of the victims, who testified during the trial, expressed her ongoing struggle with trust issues, revealing that her traumatic experiences with Slatford had left a lasting scar, making it difficult for her to trust anyone with her own children.
Defence attorney Andrew Jebb argued that Slatford had served his country with distinction, having spent 18 years in the armed forces. He emphasized that his client was of previously good character and had admitted to the offences after being found guilty, suggesting remorse and acknowledgment of his actions.
However, Judge Dutton was unequivocal in his condemnation. He stated, “You saw them as objects of your own sexual desire, using the trust that their parents had in you. You took advantage of the contact for your own sexual gratification.” The judge further remarked that the victims had endured the abuse for years, and the public’s revulsion towards such acts was justified. He added, “This will all begin to heal the wounds that now exist,” acknowledging the pain inflicted and the importance of justice.
Describing Slatford’s conduct as among the foulest, the judge highlighted that evidence presented during the trial exposed him as a serial abuser of young girls. It was noted that Slatford is likely to serve approximately two-thirds of his 16-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
DC Brendan Crilley, the officer leading the investigation, commented on the case, saying, “He was taking for himself the innocence of children. He acted without a second thought and without regard for the longer-term effects that these selfish acts of sexual depravity would have on everyone involved in this case.” Crilley also pointed out that Slatford’s final act of defiance was to plead not guilty, forcing a trial that ultimately confirmed his guilt. He praised the bravery of the survivors who came forward, emphasizing that their honesty was crucial in bringing the truth to light and ensuring justice was served.
Judge Roger Dutton delivered a stern verdict, condemning Slatford for his actions. Before imposing the sentence, the judge stated, “They were treated as liars and troublemakers but you are the liar and you are the troublemaker and you know it.” These words underscored the gravity of the crimes committed by Slatford, who was found guilty of 17 separate offences, including rape, indecent assault, and attempted rape. The conviction followed a rigorous two-week trial held in February, during which the evidence against him was thoroughly examined.
Prosecutor Gordon Hennell detailed that the offences occurred between 1993 and 1996, a period during which Slatford was entrusted with babysitting the victims. Some of the children involved were from Northwich, highlighting the widespread concern and impact of his actions within the local community. One of the victims, who testified during the trial, expressed her ongoing struggle with trust issues, revealing that her traumatic experiences with Slatford had left a lasting scar, making it difficult for her to trust anyone with her own children.
Defence attorney Andrew Jebb argued that Slatford had served his country with distinction, having spent 18 years in the armed forces. He emphasized that his client was of previously good character and had admitted to the offences after being found guilty, suggesting remorse and acknowledgment of his actions.
However, Judge Dutton was unequivocal in his condemnation. He stated, “You saw them as objects of your own sexual desire, using the trust that their parents had in you. You took advantage of the contact for your own sexual gratification.” The judge further remarked that the victims had endured the abuse for years, and the public’s revulsion towards such acts was justified. He added, “This will all begin to heal the wounds that now exist,” acknowledging the pain inflicted and the importance of justice.
Describing Slatford’s conduct as among the foulest, the judge highlighted that evidence presented during the trial exposed him as a serial abuser of young girls. It was noted that Slatford is likely to serve approximately two-thirds of his 16-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
DC Brendan Crilley, the officer leading the investigation, commented on the case, saying, “He was taking for himself the innocence of children. He acted without a second thought and without regard for the longer-term effects that these selfish acts of sexual depravity would have on everyone involved in this case.” Crilley also pointed out that Slatford’s final act of defiance was to plead not guilty, forcing a trial that ultimately confirmed his guilt. He praised the bravery of the survivors who came forward, emphasizing that their honesty was crucial in bringing the truth to light and ensuring justice was served.