ROGER ALTHAM FROM CLITHEROE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL OFFENSE INVOLVING CHILD
| Red Rose Database
Clitheroe Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the community of Clitheroe, Roger Altham, aged 57, faced serious allegations related to the exploitation of a minor. The incident, which came to light in 2011, involved Altham paying for sexual services from a male child, an act that has drawn widespread condemnation and concern over child protection.
Altham, a resident of Chatburn Park Drive in Clitheroe, appeared before Preston Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to charges of paying for the sexual services of a young boy and arranging or soliciting child prostitution. The court proceedings took place on April 17, and the case garnered significant attention due to the nature of the offenses and the defendant’s standing in the community.
The victim, who is now 17 years old, was only 16 at the time of the offenses. The court heard that the young boy was described as a “vulnerable child,” highlighting the serious concern about his susceptibility to exploitation. According to court records, the victim visited Altham’s house on two occasions and also met him once in a pub, after being introduced by a relative. During these encounters, Altham paid the boy £20 to engage in sexual activity, an act that has been classified as a criminal offense involving child exploitation.
Prosecutor Richard English outlined the case, stating, “He gave (the victim) beer and cigarettes and asked him if he wanted to earn some money. He was under the impression Mr. Altham used to be a lawyer and had a lot of money.” This statement underscores the manipulative tactics used by Altham to lure the young victim into these illicit acts.
Police investigations were initiated after concerns were raised by adults who knew the victim and his relative. Authorities tracked the victim and his relative to Altham’s residence last year, which led to his arrest. During police interviews, the victim was questioned by the Engage team, a specialized unit that investigates the sexual exploitation of minors.
Judge Andrew Woolman presided over the case and delivered the sentencing. He acknowledged the seriousness of the offense but also noted that Altham had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and was cooperative with police. The judge remarked, “In 2003, parliament considered the appropriate age at which children should be protected from offences like these and it concluded that 18 was the appropriate age. Whether you knew that is a different matter, it’s still a criminal offence.”
While the judge recognized that there were no aggravating features in the case, he emphasized that the victim was a willing participant, motivated by financial need. The judge also stated that the fact Altham provided the victim with beer and cigarettes was “not relevant in the present circumstances.”
In sentencing, Judge Woolman highlighted the impact of the case on Altham’s life, saying, “Part of the punishment in this case is your life has been torn apart by what you have done.”
Altham was sentenced to a six-month prison term, which was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, he was placed under a 12-month supervision order, and a five-year sexual offences prevention order was issued against him. He was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £670 and was disqualified from working with children indefinitely, reflecting the gravity of his actions and the need to protect vulnerable minors from potential harm in the future.
Altham, a resident of Chatburn Park Drive in Clitheroe, appeared before Preston Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to charges of paying for the sexual services of a young boy and arranging or soliciting child prostitution. The court proceedings took place on April 17, and the case garnered significant attention due to the nature of the offenses and the defendant’s standing in the community.
The victim, who is now 17 years old, was only 16 at the time of the offenses. The court heard that the young boy was described as a “vulnerable child,” highlighting the serious concern about his susceptibility to exploitation. According to court records, the victim visited Altham’s house on two occasions and also met him once in a pub, after being introduced by a relative. During these encounters, Altham paid the boy £20 to engage in sexual activity, an act that has been classified as a criminal offense involving child exploitation.
Prosecutor Richard English outlined the case, stating, “He gave (the victim) beer and cigarettes and asked him if he wanted to earn some money. He was under the impression Mr. Altham used to be a lawyer and had a lot of money.” This statement underscores the manipulative tactics used by Altham to lure the young victim into these illicit acts.
Police investigations were initiated after concerns were raised by adults who knew the victim and his relative. Authorities tracked the victim and his relative to Altham’s residence last year, which led to his arrest. During police interviews, the victim was questioned by the Engage team, a specialized unit that investigates the sexual exploitation of minors.
Judge Andrew Woolman presided over the case and delivered the sentencing. He acknowledged the seriousness of the offense but also noted that Altham had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and was cooperative with police. The judge remarked, “In 2003, parliament considered the appropriate age at which children should be protected from offences like these and it concluded that 18 was the appropriate age. Whether you knew that is a different matter, it’s still a criminal offence.”
While the judge recognized that there were no aggravating features in the case, he emphasized that the victim was a willing participant, motivated by financial need. The judge also stated that the fact Altham provided the victim with beer and cigarettes was “not relevant in the present circumstances.”
In sentencing, Judge Woolman highlighted the impact of the case on Altham’s life, saying, “Part of the punishment in this case is your life has been torn apart by what you have done.”
Altham was sentenced to a six-month prison term, which was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, he was placed under a 12-month supervision order, and a five-year sexual offences prevention order was issued against him. He was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £670 and was disqualified from working with children indefinitely, reflecting the gravity of his actions and the need to protect vulnerable minors from potential harm in the future.