By Uboh-Ekong Treasure
A convicted rapist who staged his own death and lived for nearly two years in Spain under a false identity has been jailed for eight years after being extradited back to Scotland.
James Clacher, 57 year old, disappeared in May 2022 while facing trial for rape, abandoning his car near Loch Long with a note suggesting suicide. Detectives later uncovered that the former Army reservist had faked his death and fled abroad, using his survival training to evade capture.
Clacher resurfaced in the Spanish resort town of Nerja, where he lived under the alias “Johnny Wilson.” He worked as a gardener, ran yoga classes, and integrated into the local expatriate community, convincing neighbours he was a retired fitness coach.
His new life collapsed in May 2024 when Spanish Civil Guard officers, tipped off by investigators following leads in the UK, arrested him while he was exercising at an outdoor gym. He was extradited to Scotland shortly afterwards.
Last month, a jury at the High Court in Edinburgh convicted him of raping two women he met on dating apps in 2019 and 2020. Both assaults took place in the victims’ homes, with Judge Lord Cubie describing his conduct as “cowardly” and his lack of remorse a “considerable risk to others.”
On Wednesday, Clacher was sentenced to eight years in prison with a further two years on licence, making a 10 year extended sentence. He will also remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life and is barred from contacting his victims.
The Scotland police said the case highlighted the determination of officers and partner agencies to track down fugitives and praised the courage of the victims whose evidence ensured Clacher was brought to justice.
