TONY CLOUGH JAILED FOR 30 YEARS IN MANSFIELD FOR ABUSE OF FIVE BOYS

A man who sexually abused five boys, leaving them "scarred for life", was branded a "disgrace" by a judge who sentenced him to 30 years in prison. Tony Clough, 65, raped and assaulted his victims, with two subjected to "a campaign of sexual abuse," Nottingham Crown Court heard. Clough was convicted of 15 offences, including rape, rape of a child, and sexual assault of a child. Upon release, he will also serve an additional eight years on extended licence.

During the sentencing, Judge Stuart Rafferty QC stated, "Each of the boys had been exposed to their abuser for far too long," and noted that some victims later experienced issues with drug abuse. He condemned Clough, saying, "You are a disgrace. I hope that one day you will feel some shame for what you did." The judge also highlighted that Clough cannot seek freedom until he reaches 85 years old, with the Parole Board potentially deciding he must remain in prison until he is 95.

Jurors found Clough, of Sharratt Court, Mansfield, not guilty of an additional count of the rape of a child under 13. Con Detective Paul Parish of Nottinghamshire Police commented, "The impact Clough's actions will have had on the survivors of his abuse is unimaginable."