CLIVE PROTHEROE'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN SWANSEA: PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR ATTACKS ON CHILDREN

In January 2000, a disturbing case unfolded involving Clive Protheroe, a man whose criminal actions have left a trail of devastation in Swansea. Protheroe, a 43-year-old former roadsweeper, was convicted of heinous crimes against young children, including two five-year-old girls, whom he abducted and sexually assaulted near their homes in Swansea.

His criminal history spans over two decades, with numerous convictions related to child sexual offenses involving both boys and girls as young as three years old. The severity of his offenses and his dangerous nature prompted magistrates to impose strict restrictions on him, including bans on walking puppies, talking to children, and standing outside sweet shops, in an effort to prevent further harm.

In August of the previous year, police in Swansea grew increasingly concerned about Protheroe’s suspicious presence in local parks. Acting on these concerns, authorities applied for an order under Section Two of the then-new Crime and Disorder Bill, making him one of the first child sex offenders in Britain to be targeted under this legislation, and notably, the first in Wales. This legal move was part of a broader effort to monitor and control known offenders more effectively.

However, unbeknownst to law enforcement, Protheroe had already committed a grave offense just days before the order was issued. He had snatched the two five-year-old girls and subjected them to a sexual ordeal, an act that shocked the community and highlighted the ongoing danger he posed.

At the time of the court proceedings, Protheroe was residing in Swansea but fled to Bristol immediately after the magistrates' hearing. The day he was released from court, he was walking home from his solicitor’s office when one of his young victims recognized him and alerted her mother, exclaiming, “That is the bad man.” This identification led to his swift arrest in Bristol on August 18.

During the trial at Swansea Crown Court, Protheroe denied the allegations and attempted to dismiss the severity of his crimes. Nevertheless, the two young girls were compelled to testify, reliving their traumatic experiences in court. The prosecution, led by Stephen Rees, presented a detailed account of Protheroe’s extensive criminal record, which included multiple convictions for child sexual offenses.

The jury, visibly shocked by the evidence and the defendant’s history, found Protheroe guilty of indecent assault, abduction, and false imprisonment concerning both girls. Judge Christopher Morton addressed the court, emphasizing the danger Protheroe represented: “You are a danger to little children of both sexes. A longer than normal sentence is necessary to protect children from harm.”

As a result of his conviction, Protheroe was sentenced to ten years in prison. The judge also ordered that upon his release, he would be registered as a sex offender with the police for the remainder of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions aimed at safeguarding the community from further offenses.