Double Life Unravelled in Court
A former gym boss now stands convicted of two violent rapes—attacks that targeted women he met through dating apps. James Clacher, 57, crafted a chilling escape plan: faking his death before fleeing to Spain. But after years at large, he’s finally been brought to justice.
From Tinder Dates to Tragedy
In 2019 and 2020, Clacher arranged dates via Tinder and Bumble—posing as a friendly fitness instructor. But behind the charade lay a predator. Both victims encountered violence shortly after inviting him into their homes. One woman described how Clacher attacked her within minutes of arriving; she remembers feeling trapped, terrified, and violated. In both cases, their courage to come forward became the keystone of the prosecution.
Gone Without a Trace—Until He Weren’t
When the allegations came to light, Clacher vanished. In 2022, his car was discovered abandoned near Loch Long with a handwritten suicide note, sparking a widespread search—and the belief among some that he had taken his own life. But that was no end—it was a dramatic cover for a new identity. In Spain, he took refuge, reportedly surviving on berries and puddle water, then living under an alias as a self-styled gardener and yoga instructor.
Months later, a tip led authorities to a beach in Nerja—where Clacher was captured mid-workout, hanging upside down on gym equipment. He was quietly arrested, extradited back to Scotland, and immediately faced justice.
Courtroom Denials and Inevitable Verdict
In the High Court in Glasgow, Clacher pleaded not guilty, insisting it was “not in his DNA to hurt anyone” and maintaining the encounters were consensual. Prosecutors dismantled his claims, exposing a pattern of lies and manipulation.
One juror recalled how Clacher lied repeatedly—until they could no longer ignore the truth.
In closing remarks, the judge labelled him “warped and self‑centred.” The jury reached a unanimous verdict: guilty on both rape charges.
Caged and Awaiting Sentencing
Clacher remains in custody awaiting sentencing on October 1. Authorities have warned a lengthy prison term is expected. Detectives praised the bravery of the women who testified, calling the conviction a testament to resilience and a message to other predators: evading justice—even by faking death—won’t protect you forever.
A Tale Of Flight, Lies—and Finally, Justice
This case stands out for its surreal twists: from dating app deception to the staging of a death. But at its core, it’s a story of two women who survived assaults and fought for justice, refusing to be silenced. And while the path to accountability was long and fraught, justice has caught up with a man who tried to outrun the law.
