A rape suspect told police he survived on wild berries and puddle water after staging his own death and hiding for two years in Spain, a court has heard.
James Clacher, 57, is accused of raping two women in Scotland. He has pleaded not guilty, insisting any sex was consensual. Clacher was reported missing on May 31, 2022, while facing court proceedings. His car was found abandoned at a car park in Argyll and Bute, with a suicide note inside.
Police launched a major hunt, but Clacher had already fled to Spain. He was arrested two years later on a beach in Nerja, where he had embedded himself in the community. Detectives described him as 'very friendly and chatty' on the flight back to Scotland, detailing how he faked his death, cycled to Spain, and survived on berries and puddle water.
Clacher told police he befriended a local man, secured work and housing, joined a gym, and even offered personal training. He admitted becoming paranoid that his face was too well known and considered building a kayak to paddle to Morocco.
The court heard that Clacher disappeared after learning he was to be interviewed over further sexual offence allegations. Friends and family described unusual behaviour before his disappearance, including withdrawing £5,500 from a business bank account.
