A man accused of rape claimed to authorities that he survived by consuming berries and water from puddles after orchestrating his own demise. Subsequently, he evaded law enforcement for two years in Spain, a courtroom has been informed.
James Clacher, 57, is facing allegations of sexually assaulting two women, one in Troon, South Ayrshire, in 2019, and another in Glasgow in 2020. Despite the charges, Clacher maintains his innocence, asserting that any sexual encounters were consensual. His disappearance was reported on May 31, 2022, while he was navigating legal proceedings. On the same day, his Suzuki Swift was discovered abandoned at Loch Long car park in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, containing his ID, two damaged bank cards, and a handwritten suicide note. In the note, Clacher clarified that his actions were not a response to the accusations but rather a result of the distress inflicted upon his family. He accused his first alleged victim of relentlessly pursuing his downfall.
Law enforcement initiated an extensive search operation, suspecting that he was camping in the wilderness. Despite deploying a canine unit and conducting thorough inquiries at local establishments, Clacher managed to elude capture.
Two years later, he was apprehended on a beach in Nerja, Spain, where it was disclosed that he had assimilated into the local community. The arrest was captured in a dramatic video showing plainclothes officers subduing Clacher as he exercised on the beach.
Upon handcuffing him, detectives allowed Clacher to don a t-shirt before escorting him to a police facility for processing, as reported by GlasgowLive. The footage released by Spain’s Civil Guard revealed that Clacher’s fitness routine ultimately led to his identification and subsequent arrest in Nerja.
During the return journey to Scotland, Detective Constable Jamie Crossan interacted with Clacher, describing him as amiable and talkative. Clacher narrated the elaborate scheme he devised, including faking his death, traveling from Inverness along Scotland’s eastern coast, crossing into England, stowing away in a truck to reach France, and ultimately cycling to Spain.
Clacher recounted establishing connections with a local resident who aided him in securing employment, housing, and even offered fitness training. However, he expressed concerns about his recognizable appearance and contemplated constructing a kayak to cross the sea to Morocco.
The court proceedings revealed that Clacher absconded upon learning of pending interviews regarding additional sexual misconduct allegations, in addition to the existing rape charges. Testimonies from acquaintances, his former partner, and his father shed light on his behavior leading up to his disappearance in May 2022.
Friends noted peculiar text messages on the day he vanished, with one stating that Clacher had mentioned plans to vacation in Spain. His ex-partner observed a decline in his mental well-being, although he continued to engage in outdoor activities on weekends.
Clacher’s father informed the court that he alerted authorities after receiving concerns from friends, recalling Clacher expressing distress. A will was discovered at his gym, and a substantial sum was withdrawn from a business account the day before his disappearance.
The trial is ongoing.
