Clifford Francombe

An 86-year-old man from Southgate, Gower, has been imprisoned for eight years after being convicted of raping a teenager over two decades ago. Clifford Francombe, a former police officer, carried out the attack on a 15-year-old girl in 1985 when he was 65 years old. The case came to light years later when the victim, now in her 30s, confided in a family friend who was a police officer, prompting her to make a formal complaint.

Francombe was arrested in July 2005 following the allegation. At Swansea Crown Court, he denied the charges, claiming the victim had fabricated the story. However, a jury found him guilty in February 2006 after hearing evidence from the woman, who described how she had initially tried to suppress the traumatic experience but eventually came forward. Judge Keith Thomas, presiding over the sentencing on 19 April 2006, acknowledged Francombe's advanced age as a mitigating factor, stating it prevented a longer term. 'One does not know how many years Mr Francombe has left, but any prison sentence imposed on a man of his age will eat very significantly into what life he has left,' noted defence barrister David Harris.

The judge highlighted the substantial psychological harm inflicted on the victim, describing the experience as 'very difficult to deal with' for her. He emphasised Francombe's previous good character and high standing in the community, which he said aggravated the offence's culpability. Francombe, who served as a police officer in Essex during the Second World War and demonstrated bravery by rescuing someone from a bombed building, was nonetheless held accountable. In addition to the custodial sentence, he must register as a sex offender indefinitely and is prohibited from working with children.

This case, reported by BBC News, underscores the long-term impact of sexual offences and the importance of victims coming forward, even after many years. South Wales Police investigated the historical allegation, leading to Francombe's prosecution.