Clifford Sentence 'A Clear Message Of Justice'

A children's charity has said Max Clifford's sentence has sent a "clear message" that victims of historic abuse can achieve justice.

The 71-year-old celebrity publicist has started an eight-year sentence at Wandsworth Prison in south London for a string of sex sexual offences against four women, aged between 15 and 19.

The NSPCC helpline, which was used by Clifford's victims to come forward, welcomed the judge's decision to hand down a "substantial sentence".

Its director Peter Watt said: "It's clear the judge has recognised the pain and suffering Clifford caused and the additional distress he put his victims through by forcing them to relive their ordeal in court.

"His victims showed an enormous amount of courage in coming forward, four through the NSPCC helpline, and were treated with contempt throughout by Clifford, who called them liars and fantasists in court.

"As we heard in the trial, Clifford seriously damaged many years of their lives, with some being left suicidal by their terrible experiences at his hands."

The prison van carrying Clifford

He added: "The sentence today, and those of other recent cases up and down the country, sends a clear message that victims of non-recent abuse can get justice.

"All allegations, however long after the abuse took place, must be fully investigated and assessed by the police and CPS, with victims fully supported."

Passing sentence, Judge Anthony Leonard told the disgraced PR guru: "The reason why (your crimes) were not brought to light sooner was because of your dominant character.

"Your victims thought you were untouchable, something I think you too believed."

He also blasted Clifford for causing an "additional element of trauma" to the women he abused by his "contemptuous attitude".

Judge Leonard condemned Clifford's 'contemptuous' behaviour

Judge Leonard said that due to the age of the offences, that occurred between 1977 and 1984, Clifford was charged under an act from 1956, which set the maximum term for each charge at two years.

Under later legislation passed in 2003, the maximum term would have been 10 years, and for the worst instances would have been charged as rape, which attract a maximum life term.

Clifford will have to serve at least half his sentence.

The former celebrity agent repeatedly shook his head as the judge made his comments in Southwark Crown Court.

Clifford, who branded his accusers "fantasists", remained defiant ahead of his sentencing, saying: "I stand by everything I have said in the last 17 months."

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