CLIFFORD LINDLEY OF WOLVERHAMPTON SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES

In March 2007, Clifford Lindley, a former Iraqi war hostage from Wolverhampton, was sentenced to six years in prison after being identified as a predatory paedophile. Lindley had molested a 10-year-old girl and arranged a holiday in the Philippines with the intent of engaging in child sex acts.

Lindley, aged 68, had once been celebrated as a hero after escaping Saddam Hussein's captivity during the 1991 Gulf War. His criminal conduct came to light when he was caught abusing the young girl while on bail, following his initial arrest for arranging a child sex holiday overseas.

He was residing at his home on Hughes Avenue, Bradmore, when he committed the abuse. Under bail conditions, Lindley was living with relatives in London, where he groomed the girl over the internet and convinced her to meet him in person. Harrow Crown Court was told that Lindley had taken explicit photos of the girl on his mobile phone. Her father discovered these images, confronted Lindley during the assault, and attempted to intervene.

According to reports, the father caught Lindley, who was trying to flee but was unable to run because his trousers were around his knees. He was then physically assaulted and punched multiple times. The father promptly called the emergency services.

Lindley's previous arrest was made by Wolverhampton police in May following a tip-off. Investigators uncovered sexually explicit emails on his laptop sent to children, including some as young as nine, in Manila, Philippines. Authorities also found that Lindley had booked a flight for a two-week child sexual exploitation holiday in the Far East, along with a detailed timetable outlining his plans, which included hotel information and intended victims.

At court, Lindley admitted to one count of arranging or facilitating child sex offences in the Philippines. He also pleaded guilty to meeting his last victim after grooming her sexually and inciting her to engage in sexual activity. Throughout the proceedings, Lindley, represented by his barrister who noted he was remorseful, remained stoic as he was sentenced.

Outside the courtroom, Wolverhampton case officer Detective Constable Adam West commented, “I have no doubt that Lindley's initial arrest prevented numerous young girls from falling victim to him in the Philippines.”