Menu
06/09/2018
Absconded Child Killer Last Seen Boarding Train At Central Station
Convicted child killer, John Clifford, who failed to return to a Maghaberry Prison facility on Sunday 02 September, was last seen at Belfast's Central Station.
Clifford (56) had been granted day release from Burren House on the Crumlin Road – a satellite facility of Maghaberry Prison – to attend an appointment but failed to return as expected.
Clifford was seen at Central Station – now known as Lanyon Place – boarding a train at 1pm. It is understood that it was Clifford's distinctive mobility scooter, that lead railway staff to report the sighting to police.
When last seen he was wearing a dark-coloured beanie hat, glasses, a dark heavy coat and a backpack. He is described as being around 5ft 7ins tall and of medium build, with a fresh complexion, green eyes and fair hair.
His three-wheel mobility scooter carries the registration EXZ 4974.
In 1988 Clifford was babysitting his eight-year-old niece, Sue Ellen Clifford, when he forced her to leave her home on the Rathcoole estate with him. He walked with her along the old Belfast to Carrickfergus railway line. Clifford then raped and strangled the child and left her body on the disused railway line.
He was convicted of murder and a number of other offences in 1989. He had previously been released in 2005, but was returned to prison two years later for breaching the terms of his probation.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of John Clifford is urged to contact police on 101.
(MH/CM)
Clifford (56) had been granted day release from Burren House on the Crumlin Road – a satellite facility of Maghaberry Prison – to attend an appointment but failed to return as expected.
Clifford was seen at Central Station – now known as Lanyon Place – boarding a train at 1pm. It is understood that it was Clifford's distinctive mobility scooter, that lead railway staff to report the sighting to police.
When last seen he was wearing a dark-coloured beanie hat, glasses, a dark heavy coat and a backpack. He is described as being around 5ft 7ins tall and of medium build, with a fresh complexion, green eyes and fair hair.
His three-wheel mobility scooter carries the registration EXZ 4974.
In 1988 Clifford was babysitting his eight-year-old niece, Sue Ellen Clifford, when he forced her to leave her home on the Rathcoole estate with him. He walked with her along the old Belfast to Carrickfergus railway line. Clifford then raped and strangled the child and left her body on the disused railway line.
He was convicted of murder and a number of other offences in 1989. He had previously been released in 2005, but was returned to prison two years later for breaching the terms of his probation.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of John Clifford is urged to contact police on 101.
(MH/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
11 September 2018
On-The-Run Child Killer Arrested In Newry
Escaped child killer John Clifford has been arrested by police in the Newry area after more than a week on the run. The 56-year-old man did not return to custody as expected on Sunday, 02 September, after he was allowed out on day release from Burren House on the Crumlin Road. He has now been found and is being returned to prison.
On-The-Run Child Killer Arrested In Newry
Escaped child killer John Clifford has been arrested by police in the Newry area after more than a week on the run. The 56-year-old man did not return to custody as expected on Sunday, 02 September, after he was allowed out on day release from Burren House on the Crumlin Road. He has now been found and is being returned to prison.
04 September 2018
Convicted Child Killer John Clifford 'Unlawfully At Large'
Convicted child killer John Clifford is unlawfully at large, after he failed to return to a Maghaberry Prison facility.
Convicted Child Killer John Clifford 'Unlawfully At Large'
Convicted child killer John Clifford is unlawfully at large, after he failed to return to a Maghaberry Prison facility.
10 September 2018
Escaped Child Killer Reportedly Spotted In Dublin City Centre
Escaped child killer John Clifford has reportedly been seen in Dublin city centre.
Escaped Child Killer Reportedly Spotted In Dublin City Centre
Escaped child killer John Clifford has reportedly been seen in Dublin city centre.
20 November 2024
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
