JOHN CLIFFORD'S NIGHTMARE IN BELFAST: CHILD KILLER ON THE RUN AFTER ESCAPING PRISON
In a disturbing development that has sent shockwaves through the community of Belfast, John Clifford, a convicted child murderer and sex offender, has once again made headlines after going on the run from custody.Clifford, aged 57, was originally sentenced for the heinous murder of his eight-year-old niece, Sue Ellen Clifford, a crime committed in 1988 that shocked the nation.
His criminal history is extensive, including charges of rape, murder, and sexual abuse of minors, which have haunted the community for decades.
On September 2 of the previous year, Clifford was released from Burren House, a facility on the Crumlin Road in Belfast, where he was serving a life sentence.
His release was granted for a medical appointment, a routine procedure that, unfortunately, turned into a nightmare when Clifford failed to return to custody afterward.
Instead, he was captured on CCTV boarding a train bound for Dublin, prompting immediate concern among law enforcement agencies.
The police were alerted, and a cross-border manhunt was launched to locate him.
Within a week, Clifford contacted the Garda in Wicklow voluntarily, expressing his willingness to return to Northern Ireland.
Subsequently, he was arrested in Newry by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and taken back into custody.
His escape raised serious questions about prison security and the procedures surrounding inmate releases, especially for high-risk offenders like Clifford.
Clifford's criminal record is marked by some of the most heinous crimes imaginable.
In 1989, he was convicted of abducting his niece Sue Ellen from her home in north Belfast, sexually assaulting her, and ultimately strangling her to death.
Her body was discarded on a disused railway line, a tragic act that left the community devastated.
Despite his life sentence, Clifford was released in 2005 after serving time, only to be returned to prison for breaching his probation conditions.
His history of violence and sexual offenses has made him a figure of fear and revulsion among residents.
Further complicating his criminal profile, Clifford was also found guilty of sexually abusing a young boy over a two-year period from 1984 to 1986, when the boy was just three to four years old.
The abuse involved disturbing acts, including forcing the child to perform sexual acts while watching videos of train journeys, with Clifford sitting the boy on his knee.
The prosecution detailed how Clifford would manipulate the child, exploiting his trust and innocence.
Clifford initially denied these allegations but later pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault after a trial in the south east Antrim area.
During sentencing, the court heard that had these offenses been committed under current legislation, Clifford would have faced charges of rape rather than sexual assault.
The judge emphasized the sinister nature of Clifford’s actions, noting the significant impact on the victim, who has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Clifford’s past crimes, including the murder of his niece, were also referenced during sentencing, highlighting a pattern of violent and sexual misconduct.
As a result of his latest convictions, Clifford was sentenced to an additional five years in prison.
He was also ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, reflecting the severity of his predatory behavior.
Relatives of Sue Ellen Clifford expressed their outrage and grief, with one shouting from the public gallery, “Look at what you have taken away from us.
Life should mean life.
They should lock you up and throw away the key.” Clifford’s current status remains uncertain as authorities continue their efforts to locate him.
His description includes being approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, of medium build, with a fair complexion, green eyes, and fair hair.
He was last seen wearing a black beanie-style hat, a heavy black coat, grey trousers, and black shoes.
He is known to use a distinctive three-wheel mobility scooter with the registration number EXZ 4974.
Police Inspector Paul Noble urged the public to assist in the manhunt, stating, “Anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact us immediately on 101.” The community remains on edge, awaiting news of Clifford’s whereabouts and hoping for his swift recapture to prevent further harm from this dangerous individual.
