CLIFFORD WARDE FROM TILLICOULTRY BUSTED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEEN GIRLS IN CLACKMANNANSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Tillicoultry and the wider Clackmannanshire area, Clifford Warde, aged 50, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of grooming underage girls and filming himself engaging in sexual acts with a 13-year-old girl. The criminal activities came to light after the mother of one of Warde's victims intercepted a series of explicit messages he had sent to her 14-year-old daughter, prompting immediate police action.

Warde, who was residing in Tillicoultry at the time of the offences, was arrested following the mother’s intervention. During the investigation, authorities seized Warde’s mobile phone and uncovered videos depicting him engaging in sexual acts with the 13-year-old girl. The offences took place over a period spanning from November 2014 to March 2016, with the crimes committed within the boundaries of Clackmannanshire.

Warde, who previously worked as a self-employed courier and also served as a foster carer, pleaded guilty to the charges at an earlier hearing. The case was brought before the High Court in Glasgow, where Judge Lord Boyd presided. The judge expressed his view that the severity of Warde’s actions left no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence. Warde is currently held at HMP Barlinnie, where he awaits the final sentencing.

Prosecutor Mark McGuire provided details about the nature of the messages exchanged. He explained that the messages sent to the 14-year-old girl were “too graphic” to be read aloud in open court. The court was also informed that Warde’s inappropriate conduct began when the girl sent him a selfie, to which he responded with a virtual kiss and comments about her appearance. His conduct escalated when he suggested he should pick her up and take her for a drive, indicating a clear intent to pursue a sexual relationship.

Further evidence revealed that Warde had recorded himself engaging in sexual acts with the 13-year-old girl on multiple occasions. The victim later confided in police that she felt embarrassed about the videos being made. The court heard that Warde targeted his victims at different times, beginning with the 14-year-old girl and later turning his attention to the 13-year-old, whom he also sexually abused. The offences included arranging for the 14-year-old girl to meet him with the apparent intention of engaging in unlawful sexual activity.

During the proceedings, Warde’s defence advocate, Frances Connor, stated that her client had expressed remorse for his actions. Judge Lord Boyd also ordered Warde to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the potential risk to the community. The court’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding minors and holding offenders accountable for their predatory behaviour in the Clackmannanshire region.