James Clacher: Tinder rapist who faked death, lived in woods on berries and puddle water, is finally convicted

CONTENT WARNING: SEXUAL ASSAULT

A man who faked his own death to escape criminal responsibility has been convicted of rape after he used dating apps to prey on women.

James Clacher, 57, used Tinder and Bumble to meet and sexually assault two women in 2019 and 2020.

The former gym owner from Scotland went “missing” in May 2022 while he was facing charges.

He left behind his car, found dumped in Loch Long, in Argyll and Bute, with a note that implied he was considering suicide.

It would take authorities two years to find him. The note was fake, and Clacher had actually fled Scotland, and gone to Spain, the BBC reported.

Before he left the UK, he had survived in the wild, eating berries and drinking puddle water.

The Spanish Civil Guard found him living in Nerja in the Costa Del Sol in May 2024.

Clacher was discovered on a beach hanging upside down on gym equipment, before being brought back to the UK to face charges.

His first victim told the court she had known Clacher as “James Clarke” when they met on Tinder.

She said that Clacher raped her only 10-15 minutes after he arrived at her house in Ayrshire in August 2019.

At trial she said Clacher had pushed her against the wall and sexually assaulted her while ignoring her pleas for him to stop.

He then took her upstairs and raped her again in her bedroom.

A second woman met Clacher on Bumble, and he went to her Glasgow home in September 2020 and attacked her. She knew him only as “James”.

They had been out for a meal, and had gone for a walk before going to her home, where Clacher raped her.

She reported the rape to police, which led to investigators finding the first woman.

Clacher denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

He was convicted of both rape charged by the High Court in Glasgow, and will be sentenced at a future court hearing.

Detective Inspector Bruce Fyfe said: “It’s difficult to comprehend the distress and suffering Clacher caused the women in this case. I hope this conviction brings them some form of comfort. He will now face the consequences of his actions.

“Following the missing person report, extensive enquiries were carried out to establish his whereabouts.

“As the investigation into the missing person and sexual offences progressed, it became clear he had left the country to evade justice after faking his own death.

“If anyone is experiencing or has experienced any type of sexual abuse, we have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences. Please report it and be assured you will be fully supported and listened to.”

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.