MARTIN CLITHEROW'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN PLYMOUTH: SEX OFFENDER'S DECEPTION REVEALED
In May 2020, a disturbing case unfolded in Plymouth involving Martin Clitherow, a registered sex offender whose actions have shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of monitoring systems.Clitherow, who has a troubling criminal history, was convicted on three separate occasions for offenses committed against young girls.
His past includes a conviction in 2005 and another in 2006, both involving inappropriate contact with young females.
The most serious of his convictions occurred in 2010, when he was sentenced to an extended term after attempting to persuade a woman he met online to send indecent images of her four-year-old daughter.
Due to the severity of his crimes, he was classified as a dangerous offender and was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which explicitly prohibited any contact with children.
Despite these restrictions, Clitherow moved to Devon after serving a two-year, ten-month prison sentence.
His criminal record and dangerous classification did not deter him from engaging in new relationships, and he managed to establish a connection with a mother living in Plymouth.
This woman, who had two young sons aged one and four, became friends with Clitherow through social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
Over time, their relationship deepened, and Clitherow was able to spend considerable time with her and her children without her knowledge of his criminal past.
The deception continued for several months, during which Clitherow broke the terms of his SOPO multiple times.
He stayed at the woman's house in Plymouth and even looked after her two boys when she left them in his care.
He also shared photographs on social media showing the older boy helping him repair a jetski, further entrenching his involvement in the family’s daily life.
The woman remained unaware of Clitherow’s previous offenses until she grew suspicious of his controlling behavior.
Concerned, she conducted an online search of his background and discovered a media article detailing his 2010 conviction.
Realizing she had been deceived, she reported her findings to the police.
The investigation revealed that Clitherow had repeatedly breached the SOPO by staying at her home and caring for her children without informing her of his past.
His actions not only violated the legal restrictions placed upon him but also put the safety of the children at risk.
At Exeter Crown Court, Judge Peter Johnson sentenced Clitherow, 51, of Haddington Road, Stoke, Plymouth, to a prison term of one year and three months.
Clitherow admitted to six breaches of the SOPO and one breach of the sex offenders’ register.
The judge emphasized the seriousness of his persistent violations, stating, “These were persistent breaches in which you took up with a woman with two children aged one and four.
As a result of you not her about your past, you breached the order repeatedly and were left in sole care of the children.
Yes, they were boys, but the longer the relationship went on, the more chance that they would have met up with young girls as well.” Prosecutor Mr.
Michael Brown outlined the case, explaining that Clitherow had initially met the mother socially and their relationship developed through social media interactions.
His breaches included staying at her residence in Plymouth and looking after her children without her knowledge or consent.
He also sent her pictures of the older boy helping him with repairs, further demonstrating his manipulative behavior.
The woman’s suspicions grew as Clitherow’s behavior became more controlling, prompting her to investigate his background, which ultimately led to her discovering his criminal history and reporting him to the authorities.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and social services in monitoring sex offenders and protecting vulnerable members of the community.
It also underscores the importance of vigilance and transparency in relationships involving individuals with a history of sexual offenses, especially when children are involved.
