NORTHWICH SEX OFFENDER CLAIRE GOODIER SENT TO PRISON FOR BESTIALITY AND DRUGS

Claire Goodier, formerly known as John Ernest Goodier, a resident of Weaver View Flats on Spencer Street in Northwich, has been convicted of heinous crimes involving bestiality, drug possession, and violations of sex offender regulations. The case has garnered significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the offenses and the complexities surrounding Goodier’s gender identity.

Goodier, born around 1960, has a long history of criminal behavior, including previous convictions related to sexual offenses. During the recent trial at Chester Crown Court, it was revealed that Goodier engaged in a series of depraved acts fueled by cocaine, including participating in group sex with a dog. The most serious charge involved allowing himself to be penetrated by an Alsatian dog at an unspecified location in Bournemouth on December 15 and 16, 2018. This act was committed in a context of drug influence, highlighting the dangerous combination of substance abuse and criminal behavior.

In addition to the bestiality incident, Goodier was found in possession of 31 highly offensive images depicting a German Shepherd dog engaged in sexual acts with a human. These images were deemed grossly obscene and offensive, further illustrating the extent of his disturbing interests. The police investigation also uncovered other indecent images stored on his devices, which he had kept for his own gratification.

Authorities first became aware of Goodier’s activities when police officers attended his Northwich home on July 19, 2019, as part of routine checks mandated by his status on the sex offenders register for life. During this visit, officers seized a laptop that contained evidence of internet searches related to bestiality. A detailed analysis of the device, completed approximately two years later, revealed hidden folders containing the 31 indecent images of the sexual act with the dog.

Goodier admitted to having fantasized about such acts for several years. He explained that after discussing his fantasies with acquaintances in Northwich, he was introduced to others in Bournemouth. Subsequently, he traveled there in December 2018 and participated in the depraved act with the dog and other individuals.

Further evidence was uncovered when, during his arrest on June 17, 2021, police found an additional pen drive in his handbag containing the same images, along with 3.5 grams of cocaine. The investigation also revealed that at the time of the incident, Goodier was in breach of a suspended sentence imposed in May 2018 for failing to comply with a sexual harm prevention order. He had also failed to adhere to the order again in November 2020, when he was 13 days late in contacting authorities after a period of self-isolation due to COVID-19 guidelines.

Judge Steven Everett sentenced Goodier to 20 months in prison, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the importance of deterrence. The judge acknowledged that Goodier’s record was appalling and that he had been fortunate not to have faced imprisonment earlier. He condemned the defendant’s deceitful and depraved behavior, stating, “You deceitfully took part in a cocaine-fueled incident with other persons. Since the terrible offence took place, you kept the images unashamedly for your own sexual gratification. You failed to comply with the terms of an order, which some might see as minor, but it’s not for the first time. Your record is appalling, and it could be said you were astonishingly lucky not to go to prison previously. A message must go out that if you commit such disgusting behavior, then you must go to prison.”

During the court proceedings, Goodier was visibly emotional, sobbing as he was informed of his sentence. The court also noted that he was in breach of a sexual harm prevention order at the time of the offenses. The sentence includes the activation of a four-month suspended sentence from 2018, effectively increasing his time behind bars.

Regarding his gender identity, it was reported by the Daily Mail that Goodier has identified as a woman for at least two years. During the court case, he was referred to as Claire and addressed with female pronouns. Despite this, he has been assigned to a men’s prison, specifically Liverpool’s HMP Altcourse, a Category B facility designated for male inmates. A prison source confirmed that prisoners are generally placed in facilities matching their legally recognized gender, and Goodier’s legal gender remains male under current law. The court records also reflect his identification as Claire, with a note instructing that he be addressed accordingly during proceedings. The legal framework, under the Gender Recognition Act 2004, allows individuals to change their legal sex and obtain a Gender Recognition certificate, which is recognized in prison placements.