A violent rapist has been jailed for life for the rape of a vulnerable woman while he was living in Harrogate.
Clifford Church, 63, of no fixed address, was today (Thursday) sentenced at York Crown Court after pleading guilty to rape and assault.
The offences took place on 7th August 2025, when Church took the victim to his flat in Harrogate.
Once inside, police say he locked the door and ordered her to do ‘everything he demanded’ or he would use violence against her.
When she refused to undress, he assaulted her, knocking her to the floor and threatened to continue using violence against her if she did not comply with what he wanted, before raping her.
The victim managed to escape his flat and ran into the corridor, frantically banging on doors and screaming for help.
Church chased and grabbed her, but she was able to alert neighbours.
Detective Constable Nicky Wareham of North Yorkshire Police’s Safeguarding Investigation team said:
“I welcome the significant custodial sentence handed down today. Church is a dangerous and violent sexual predator who subjected an extremely vulnerable victim to a deeply traumatic ordeal.
“I want to commend the courage shown by the victim during this investigation.
“Her strength and willingness to support the investigation enabled us to gather the crucial evidence needed to secure this conviction and ensure Church is now behind bars, where he can no longer pose a threat to anyone.”
After the attack, Church was caught on CCTV leaving the flat in a hurry, fully dressed and carrying a backpack.
Despite extensive police efforts to locate him, he remained at large for several weeks, before he was eventually arrested in Bradford by West Yorkshire Police.
During interview, Church admitted that the victim had been at his flat but denied raping her, before refusing to answer further questions.
Following a North Yorkshire Police investigation, which included hours of comprehensive CCTV analysis, forensic work, and detailed witness enquiries, Church was charged.
At York Crown Court today (5th March), Church was sentenced to life in prison and told he must serve a minimum of 12 years before being considered for release.
Builders unearth medieval well in Ripon city centre
Knaresborough teacher to run London Marathon in aid of Henshaws
Drugs seized and two arrested in Knaresborough
Spiegeltent returns to Harrogate for summer extravaganza
Starbeck festival set to return for third year
Police appeal to locate Harrogate fuel thief
Harrogate MP set to take on London Marathon in aid of colitis charity
Expansion could add £17m to northern economy, says Harrogate Spring Water
New café to open in place of Hoxton North this week
Ripon vintage tractor run to return this weekend
Ladies lunch event raises £25,000 for Yorkshire children's hospice
Yorkshire Baby & Toddler Show Returns
Lightwater Valley officially opens 'epic' new rollercoaster
Three Harrogate boxers scoop medals at international tournament
Harrogate woman's stroke at 37 inspires fundraising drive for vital charity
Harrogate MP calls for bus and rail fares to be slashed
Kittens with rare condition 'thriving' after community donates £1,000
Weather warning for strong winds issued ahead of Easter weekend
North Yorkshire Police to roll out facial recognition technology
UK's largest tractor festival revs up for 20th show at Newby Hall
