CLIFORD GEORGE FROM CHELTENHAM AND PONTYPOOL JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Cheltenham and Pontypool, Clifford George, a 60-year-old man with a troubling history of child sexual abuse, has been sentenced to prison for his heinous crimes. The case was heard at Swansea Crown Court, where George was convicted of multiple serious offences related to the sexual exploitation of children.

George, who now resides in Pontypool, South Wales, but originally hails from Cheltenham, was sentenced to six years in prison. The court also issued a warning that he could be recalled for an additional three years, depending on his conduct during his incarceration. His last known residence in Cheltenham was on Welch Road, where he lived until 2005. His involvement with the local community included a period between 1989 and 1990 when he served as a leader with the 49th Cheltenham (St Peter’s) Cubs.

Following the sentencing, the current leader of the Cubs expressed disappointment upon learning of George’s criminal history, confirming that he had been involved with the pack during his time in Cheltenham. The community’s concern was palpable, given the nature of the offences and George’s previous associations with youth organizations.

Judge Keith Thomas delivered a stern judgment, criticizing George for his manipulative tactics. The judge stated that George had “cloaked himself in the veneer of respectability” to gain access to children, only to dismiss their complaints and avoid accountability. The court detailed how George had been convicted after a trial of 21 separate offences, including indecent assault, indecency with a child, sexual assault of a child under 13, engaging in sexual activity with a child, and performing sexual acts in the presence of a minor.

The court heard that George’s first known assaults occurred in the late 1970s, targeting two girls under the age of 11, as well as a young boy. After these initial offences, there was a chilling 24-year hiatus before George again targeted a boy under 11 in the West Wales area. This later incident prompted authorities to take the allegations seriously, leading to the uncovering of his earlier offending history.

George’s legal representative, Janet Gedrych, maintained that her client still claimed innocence. She explained that George’s health issues, which include the need for crutches or a wheelchair, had made it difficult for him to carry out any acts similar to those committed in his youth. However, Judge Thomas disagreed, emphasizing that George’s pattern of predatory behavior demonstrated that he remained a significant danger to children. The judge expressed concern that there was a substantial risk George could cause serious harm again in the future.

As part of his sentence, George was ordered to register as a sex offender with the police and was permanently banned from working with children. The court also imposed an extended sentence, meaning that even after his release, he could be recalled to prison without reoffending until early 2021, should authorities deem it necessary.

Community leaders and organizations responded to the verdict with a mixture of relief and concern. Alan Green, head of the 49th Cheltenham (St Peter’s) Cubs, clarified that George was not one of the main leaders during his time with the group. Meanwhile, Chris Foster, a spokesman for the Scout Association, confirmed that George had been a member of the Scout movement for a brief period between 1989 and 1990 but had not been involved for over 23 years. Foster emphasized that the organization conducts rigorous vetting procedures for all adults working with young people, adhering strictly to the ‘Young People First’ Code of Practice to prevent such incidents from recurring.