CHRISTOPHER GARDINER, SHURDONINGTON, SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING A 14-YEAR-OLD BOY

In July 2017, Christopher Gardiner, 61, from Yarnolds, Shurdington, was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of paying a 14-year-old boy for sex following an encounter initiated on the dating website Fabguy. Gardiner admitted to Gloucester Crown Court that he had sexually assaulted the boy four times and on at least two occasions, he incited the youth to perform sex acts on him.

The offences came to light thanks to classmates of the victim who reported their suspicions that he was in a relationship with an older man. As well as the prison term, Gardiner was ordered to sign the sex offender register indefinitely and was given an ongoing sexual harm prevention order.

Prosecutor Ray Tully disclosed that the incidents occurred between August 1, 2016, and February 19, 2017. He explained that the abuse was uncovered thanks to reports from the victim’s school friends, who observed signs that suggested a relationship involving gifts.

In March, the victim initially told authorities that he 'got stuff in return' for performing sexual acts for Gardiner but did not initially reveal Gardiner’s identity. Later, the boy disclosed Gardiner’s role, which led to his arrest. Tully described the boy’s account as confusing and contradictory, stating that the victim had met a 'lad' through Fabguy, with his profile age initially set at 21 and later amended to 18. Gardiner claimed he had been warned that the youth was underage but did not let that stop him.

Gardiner provided officers with conflicting explanations, including giving credit card details to the boy to make purchases and paying him £50, while denying he paid for sex. He acknowledged liking bondage and younger men but insisted he was unaware the boy was 14. Additionally, Gardiner admitted to giving the boy a total of £200 and meeting him once or twice weekly.

Defense lawyer Steve Young argued that Gardiner 'did not set out to target anyone,' emphasizing his good character and absence of prior offending. He highlighted that Gardiner, who is bisexual and had relationships with adult males, believed he was communicating solely with adults and expressed remorse for his actions. Young noted that the lengthy prison sentence would jeopardize Gardiner’s employment despite his employer's initial desire to retain him.

However, Judge Michael Cullum condemned Gardiner’s behaviour, describing it as a form of grooming constituting child prostitution. He stated, 'What is of note is an increase in seriousness of behaviour. Classic grooming if you like.' The judge condemned Gardiner for paying for sex with a child, noting the significant age disparity and the harm inflicted on the victim.

The judge further remarked, 'You groomed a boy into child prostitution. At the time you touched him, you knew it was unlawful. It was business. Your money for your pleasure. It must have been damaging for him.' He emphasized that although Gardiner did not intentionally seek out a child initially, he found and exploited a vulnerable individual, further escalating the risk of future harm. As a result, the court imposed a sexual harm prevention order alongside his prison sentence.