NICHOLAS LAFFORD FROM CIRENCESTER ESCAPES STRICTER SEX OFFENDER RULES AFTER DRUNKEN ABUSE SPREE IN SWINDON
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Cirencester Child Sexual Abuser
In August 2011, a significant legal decision was made regarding Nicholas Lafford, a man with a troubling history of sexual offences, who resides in Cirencester. A judge has modified the terms of a sexual offences prevention order initially imposed on Lafford following a series of alarming incidents that included an attempted abduction of an 11-year-old girl and multiple acts of public indecency.
On a Sunday lunchtime, Lafford was observed driving through a residential area in Swindon, where he engaged in highly inappropriate behavior. He exposed himself to several women and children, actions that caused considerable concern among witnesses and residents. The sequence of events began when Lafford pulled up his vehicle near the Shaw area of Swindon, where he carried out a lewd act in front of an 11-year-old girl. The young girl, frightened and shocked, managed to escape and report the incident to authorities.
Following this, Lafford's disturbing behavior did not cease. He exposed himself to two other women walking along the same road. Later, he stopped his car near two girls aged 10 and 11, making crude remarks and again engaging in a sexual act in front of them. The most serious incident occurred shortly before 2 pm on Whitefield Crescent, where he approached an 11-year-old girl under the pretense of asking for directions. Instead of simply asking for help, he demanded she enter his vehicle twice, using threatening language. The girl, understandably terrified, ran away from the scene.
Fortunately, a vigilant local resident, who was out mowing his lawn, overheard the exchange and became concerned. He followed Lafford’s vehicle and alerted the police. When officers arrived, they found Lafford visibly intoxicated. A subsequent breath test revealed that he was nearly four times the legal alcohol limit. Lafford admitted to police that he had not slept for 36 hours, having worked at a nightclub owned by his father, attended a party the night before, and consumed a significant amount of alcohol and drugs. He claimed to have no memory of the incidents that took place during the lunchtime spree.
In 2009, Lafford had previously been sentenced to 35 months in prison after admitting to charges including attempted child abduction, sexual activity in the presence of a child, and exposure. His criminal record and behavior prompted the court to impose a sexual offences prevention order, which restricted his contact with minors and his employment options.
However, during a hearing at Swindon Crown Court, Judge Douglas Field decided to relax some of these restrictions. The judge was informed that Lafford was employed at his father’s nightclub and expressed a desire to work at a garage and a convenience store in Cirencester. The defense argued that Lafford’s living situation with his father and his frequent visits from his nephews and nieces, aged between six and fifteen, indicated no ongoing threat to children within his family. The court was told that all his previous victims were strangers, and there was no evidence to suggest he posed a danger to children he knew.
As a result, Judge Field amended the original order, allowing Lafford to work in a shop environment, provided he did not work alone with any female children who were not related to him. The restriction that barred him from residing at any address with a female child was maintained. The court’s decision reflected a cautious approach, balancing the need for rehabilitation with public safety.
Despite the modifications, Lafford remains a registered sex offender for life and is prohibited from working with children. His behavior and the recent incidents underscore ongoing concerns about his conduct and the potential risk he may pose to the community in Cirencester and beyond.
On a Sunday lunchtime, Lafford was observed driving through a residential area in Swindon, where he engaged in highly inappropriate behavior. He exposed himself to several women and children, actions that caused considerable concern among witnesses and residents. The sequence of events began when Lafford pulled up his vehicle near the Shaw area of Swindon, where he carried out a lewd act in front of an 11-year-old girl. The young girl, frightened and shocked, managed to escape and report the incident to authorities.
Following this, Lafford's disturbing behavior did not cease. He exposed himself to two other women walking along the same road. Later, he stopped his car near two girls aged 10 and 11, making crude remarks and again engaging in a sexual act in front of them. The most serious incident occurred shortly before 2 pm on Whitefield Crescent, where he approached an 11-year-old girl under the pretense of asking for directions. Instead of simply asking for help, he demanded she enter his vehicle twice, using threatening language. The girl, understandably terrified, ran away from the scene.
Fortunately, a vigilant local resident, who was out mowing his lawn, overheard the exchange and became concerned. He followed Lafford’s vehicle and alerted the police. When officers arrived, they found Lafford visibly intoxicated. A subsequent breath test revealed that he was nearly four times the legal alcohol limit. Lafford admitted to police that he had not slept for 36 hours, having worked at a nightclub owned by his father, attended a party the night before, and consumed a significant amount of alcohol and drugs. He claimed to have no memory of the incidents that took place during the lunchtime spree.
In 2009, Lafford had previously been sentenced to 35 months in prison after admitting to charges including attempted child abduction, sexual activity in the presence of a child, and exposure. His criminal record and behavior prompted the court to impose a sexual offences prevention order, which restricted his contact with minors and his employment options.
However, during a hearing at Swindon Crown Court, Judge Douglas Field decided to relax some of these restrictions. The judge was informed that Lafford was employed at his father’s nightclub and expressed a desire to work at a garage and a convenience store in Cirencester. The defense argued that Lafford’s living situation with his father and his frequent visits from his nephews and nieces, aged between six and fifteen, indicated no ongoing threat to children within his family. The court was told that all his previous victims were strangers, and there was no evidence to suggest he posed a danger to children he knew.
As a result, Judge Field amended the original order, allowing Lafford to work in a shop environment, provided he did not work alone with any female children who were not related to him. The restriction that barred him from residing at any address with a female child was maintained. The court’s decision reflected a cautious approach, balancing the need for rehabilitation with public safety.
Despite the modifications, Lafford remains a registered sex offender for life and is prohibited from working with children. His behavior and the recent incidents underscore ongoing concerns about his conduct and the potential risk he may pose to the community in Cirencester and beyond.