On 3/9, 57-year-old James Clacher was convicted of raping two women at the High Court in Glasgow after more than three years evading authorities.
Prosecutors said Clacher raped his first victim at her home on 24/8/2019. She had connected with him on Tinder and was attacked 15 minutes after their first meeting.
The second victim met Clacher on Bumble and was assaulted at her Glasgow apartment on 4/9/2020 after a date.
Clacher, a gym owner, disappeared in 5/2022 while facing the rape charges, prompting a large-scale manhunt. He abandoned his car in a parking lot in Argyll and Bute, leaving a suicide note blaming the first victim and stating, "She will never stop until I am dead or in jail,".
Clacher hid in a remote forest, surviving on berries and stagnant water. His disappearance fueled speculation of suicide. However, he was orchestrating an escape to Spain.
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James Clacher abandoned his car and left a suicide note before hiding in the woods of Argyll and Bute. Photo: Sky News/Lanarkshire Live |
James Clacher abandoned his car and left a suicide note before hiding in the woods of Argyll and Bute. Photo: Sky News/Lanarkshire Live
Fitness obsession leads to capture
In 2023, following a public appeal, Scottish police received a tip placing Clacher in Nerja, southern Spain, where he frequented the Time Sport gym.
Police relayed the information to Spanish authorities. Six months later, after nearly two years of faking his death, Clacher was arrested while practicing yoga at the Costa del Sol resort.
He was using the alias "Johnny Wilson," was in a relationship with a local woman, worked as a gardener, and taught yoga classes on the beach.
Spanish authorities revealed that Clacher's fitness obsession led to his discovery.
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James Clacher was arrested by plainclothes police while practicing yoga on the beach. Photo: Spanish Civil Guard |
James Clacher was arrested by plainclothes police while practicing yoga on the beach. Photo: Spanish Civil Guard
Clacher detailed his elaborate escape: faking his death, traveling to the east coast of Scotland, crossing into England, hiding in a truck to France, and cycling to Spain. He befriended a local man who helped him find work and accommodation, joined a gym, and offered personal training services.
He even considered kayaking to Morocco.
Tue Anh (according to Mirror)
