JAMES CLAYTON FROM GREENS NORTON RESTRICTED AFTER SKEGNESS HOLIDAY AND SEX OFFENCES

In August 2006, James Clayton, a 66-year-old resident of Mansfield Court in Greens Norton, faced strict legal restrictions following his recent actions and prior convictions related to sexual offences. Clayton, a man with a troubling history, was ordered to remain at his home each night and was only permitted to go on overnight trips or holidays with explicit approval from his probation officer, who oversees his rehabilitation under a three-year sex offenders' order.

Clayton’s background includes a conviction for multiple sexual offences against a young girl, a case that was heard at Northampton Crown Court. The jury found him guilty of four counts of gross indecency and sexual activity committed between April 2003 and October 2004, during which he resided in Old, near Brixworth. Despite the severity of his crimes, Clayton narrowly avoided imprisonment in November of the previous year when the judge opted for a community order, believing it would serve his long-term rehabilitation better than incarceration.

Recently, Clayton’s conduct raised further concerns when he purchased a tent and traveled to Butlins in Skegness without prior approval, an act that prompted legal action. His unsanctioned trip included attending a motorcycle rally in Skegness, which led to his court appearance. Judge Charles Wide QC expressed his disapproval, stating, “It is a matter of concern he bought this tent and went to a motorcycle rally, staying at Butlins. In the context of this case, a residence restriction is in the interests of justice to ensure sufficient control over his movements and where he lives.”

As a result, Clayton was prohibited from visiting Old or going on holiday without permission. He is required to maintain regular contact with his probation officer, stay at his residence each night, and continue his treatment until November 2008. Additionally, he remains on the sex offenders register for four more years and is subject to a sex offences prevention order that bans him from Old, working as a coach driver, or having any contact with his victim or her family.

Community safety measures have been visibly reinforced, with posters warning residents of Clayton’s presence in both Old and Greens Norton. The local council received a petition in December urging that Clayton be rehoused, reflecting ongoing community concern. Prosecutor Sarah Briden emphasized the importance of the residence restriction, citing the warning posters as a reason for the court’s decision, and Clayton himself stated that the restriction would prevent him from visiting his ill brother.

In a related development in December 2005, local authorities and residents expressed their worries about Clayton’s presence in Greens Norton. A concerned councillor, Tony Wilkinson, assured the community that Clayton was under weekly supervision by his probation officers and that authorities were working with other agencies to monitor his activities. Wilkinson also defended the council’s decision to grant Clayton tenancy in September, claiming they were unaware of any upcoming court proceedings at that time.

Nevertheless, residents like Annette Rock, who has a young daughter, voiced their fears, criticizing the limited supervision and the potential risk to children in the village. She pointed out that Clayton’s contact with probation officers was only once a week, leaving the rest of his time unmonitored and potentially dangerous. Clayton’s previous sentence included a three-year community rehabilitation order and a five-year registration on the sex offenders’ register, highlighting the ongoing concern about his presence in the community and the need for continued vigilance.