A convicted rapist known as the “Night Stalker” for targeting women over nearly three decades is facing the possibility of being released just a decade after being sentenced to life in prison. Clive Howard, then 57, would prowl the streets in his Volvo estate car, attacking at least six women from 1986 onwards. Following his initial sentencing, an additional 15 women came forward with allegations of being targeted by Howard. Despite a minimum 10-year and three-month sentence, it was reduced by a year due to time spent in custody awaiting trial.
Although Howard was denied parole in a review last year due to concerns about his continued threat to society, there are fears that he may reapply for release soon. Critics have condemned the leniency of his punishment given the predatory nature of his crimes. Norfolk Police confirmed that investigations into Howard’s offenses were concluded shortly after his sentencing in 2015, with no further evidence of criminal activity discovered.
Human rights lawyer Harriet Wistrich, who previously campaigned to keep another notorious rapist in prison, emphasized the underestimated risk posed by serious sexual predators like Howard. Howard was eventually apprehended in 2014 with the help of a victim who assisted in tracing his car after an assault. His pattern of assaults spanned nearly three decades across Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.
In 2015, Howard pleaded guilty to seven counts of rape and was sentenced to life behind bars. Judge Stephen Holt characterized Howard as a “living nightmare” for women, having orchestrated a prolonged campaign of sexual violence. Detectives suspect that Howard may have assaulted at least 15 more victims since 1986. Howard’s brother, David, played a key role in alerting authorities about his crimes, leading to Howard’s arrest and subsequent conviction.
