CLIFFORD TURNER FROM RUNCORN AND WIDNES EXPOSED AS CONVICTED PAEDOPHILE STILL INVOLVED WITH SALVATION ARMY

In a shocking revelation, it has been confirmed that Clifford Turner, a man with a criminal past involving serious sexual offenses, has continued his association with the Salvation Army despite his convictions. Turner, aged 34, was previously known for wearing a blue military-style uniform as part of his role within the charity. However, recent reports indicate that he has abandoned his uniform and now operates in plain clothes while still performing duties for the Salvation Army in the Halton area, specifically in Runcorn and Widnes.

Turner remains actively involved in collecting used clothing from households across Halton, a task he has continued despite his criminal history. He no longer engages in selling the Salvation Army’s War Cry outside Widnes market, but his presence in the community remains a source of distress for many residents. The families of three young girls he had previously sexually assaulted have been devastated by his return to the area.

The most alarming incident occurred at Green Oaks shopping centre, where one of Turner's victims, now an adult, recognized him rattling money in a collection tin. Her reaction was one of horror and disbelief, as she expressed her disappointment in the perception of the Salvation Army as a charitable and saintly organization. She stated, “You expect people in the Salvation Army to be saints and to stand for goodness.”

Turner’s criminal history dates back to May 1987, when he was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Chester Crown Court. He had admitted to committing three indecent assaults on young girls, along with another sex offense involving a child in Widnes. The trauma inflicted on his victims has left lasting scars, especially for two sisters who were molested by him while he was babysitting them in their own home. These sisters, now aged 20, spoke publicly for the first time last week about their harrowing experience, describing a period of approximately six months during which they lived in fear.

In an effort to evade justice and public scrutiny, Turner has recently changed his name through a deed poll and adopted a new identity. He has left his residence on Handforth Lane, Halton Lodge, Runcorn, and has gone into hiding after receiving threats from members of the community. Due to legal restrictions, the authorities have not disclosed his new name or current address to protect his safety and privacy.

A spokesperson for the Salvation Army addressed the situation, emphasizing the organization's core values. She explained, “As an Evangelical movement, the whole idea of the Salvation Army is that people come to us to be saved from a troubled past. William Booth, who founded the movement, saved prostitutes, criminals, and people with severe alcohol problems. If it just a matter of their past, we would never preclude someone from being a member.” The statement underscores the organization's stance on rehabilitation and inclusion, despite the controversy surrounding Turner’s continued involvement.