SEX OFFENDER RYAN CLIFFORD JAILED AFTER ASSAULT AT KENT STATION
A man named Ryan Clifford, who had escaped from a psychiatric hospital after being detained for unspecified reasons, committed a sexual assault at Swanley Station, Kent.He had been on the run for two days before attacking a woman in her late 20s who was travelling home.
The woman, who was attempting to check on Clifford's welfare because he appeared intoxicated, was met with violence when Clifford first tried to kiss her and then turned aggressive, grabbing her around the throat and threatening her.
She then went with him behind the station's waiting room where he subjected her to a 30-minute ordeal.
The victim expressed her feelings, stating: "I feel completely ashamed and hateful about my body.
No means no.
I said no a lot of times.
I thought there were some cameras.
I was waiting for someone to come and help." Prosecutor Andrew Copeland told the court that she was concerned for Clifford's health, which is why she sat with him, but he became very abusive and aggressive.
Clifford was arrested on the same night and, during police interrogation, admitted to knowing he had been "bad." He denied the sexual assault charges but was convicted of sexual assault and two counts of rape.
As a result, he was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order, indicating he will be detained in a psychiatric facility.
The attack happened after Clifford had escaped from his hospital through a window, and he was found guilty and detained to ensure ongoing treatment and safety.
The court proceedings and sentence highlight the seriousness of his actions and the state's intervention with indefinite detention for mental health reasons.
