RONALD BLACKMORE THE PREDATORY CLOWN FROM BLACKPOOL SENTENCED TO LIFE BAN AFTER CHILD GROOMING IN BLACKPOOL AND LEYLAND

Ronald Blackmore, aged 64, widely recognized as the children’s entertainer Bozo the Clown, met his tragic end in Wymott Prison, located in Leyland, in April 2006. His life and criminal activities, however, are marked by a series of disturbing incidents that have left a lasting impact on the community.

Back in December 2005, Blackmore was officially banned for life from working as a clown following a series of heinous offenses. The ban came after he was found guilty of breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) multiple times, despite being under strict legal restrictions. The court’s decision was reinforced by the fact that Blackmore, who had previously worked at the renowned Blackpool Tower Circus and toured extensively across the country, had used his clown persona as a cover for his predatory behavior.

Blackmore’s criminal record includes a conviction in 2002 for four counts of indecent assault against an 11-year-old girl. The court heard that he had groomed the young girl, gaining her trust before sexually molesting her during an overnight stay at his residence. After the assault, he threatened her to keep silent about what had transpired. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison and was required to register as a sex offender for ten years. However, his release from prison did not mark the end of his troubling conduct.

Within just a week of his release, Blackmore resumed his predatory activities, targeting children once again. Police investigations revealed that, upon discharge from hospital, girls as young as seven visited his home. These children, who affectionately called him “Uncle Ronnie,” were found to have been exposed to a collection of toys, books, and sweets at his residence in Blackpool. Despite being under an interim court order that prohibited him from communicating with children, Blackmore flagrantly violated these restrictions.

His breaches included feeding ducks in a park with children and spending Christmas at a family’s home, claiming he was homeless to gain access. These actions underscored his persistent risk to children and prompted authorities to seek a lifelong Sexual Offences Prevention Order. Magistrates, after reviewing his behavior and the NSPCC’s assessment, agreed that Blackmore posed an ongoing threat and therefore imposed the order, which barred him from working with or approaching children under 16 in any capacity.

Blackmore’s history of grooming extended to hospital settings, where staff observed his inappropriate behavior towards children. He had been moved to a side ward during a hospital stay due to concerns about his conduct. His fascination with clown props and material was seen as a grooming tactic aimed at children in the hospital environment.

Despite the severity of his offenses, Blackmore did not attend the recent hearing, citing heart problems as the reason for his absence. He also sent a letter stating he did not oppose the order. The court’s ruling prohibits him from seeking contact with children under 16, either directly or through third parties, and bans him from entering premises or participating in activities that would bring him into contact with minors.

Following the hearing, Pc Dillon Sharrock, the officer leading the case, emphasized the importance of the order, stating, “The order is necessary to stop this man, who is a persistent high risk to children. He has been of great concern to the police’s Public Protection Unit.” Blackmore’s current incarceration at Wymott Prison is set to continue until at least June next year, when he is eligible for release, though his criminal history and ongoing risk suggest that his threat to children remains significant.