DAVID GARDNER FROM BIDFORD SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In September 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving David Gardner, a resident of Bidford, who was convicted of grooming and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. The incident unfolded after Gardner engaged in a series of inappropriate communications with the young girl, who had naively believed his messages to be harmless.

It all began when the girl’s father purchased her a mobile phone the previous year. Shortly thereafter, Gardner obtained her number and began messaging her regularly. Over a period of time, he used these messages to manipulate her, employing a tone that appeared to be playful and innocent, often using childish language, and sending her kisses and hearts. Despite the seemingly benign nature of his texts, Gardner’s intentions were far from innocent.

One of the key moments in this case was when the girl mentioned to Gardner that she wanted to take a day off school by pretending to be ill. Gardner, who was a father himself, encouraged her to do so, which she successfully managed to accomplish. Following this, Gardner met her in person and engaged in inappropriate physical contact, including hugging and tickling, which made the girl realize that the situation was not as innocent as she had initially believed.

As the girl became increasingly frightened and confused, she continued to receive dozens of messages from Gardner, who urged her not to tell anyone about their interactions. Feeling overwhelmed and scared, she eventually confided in her parents, revealing what had transpired. Her father responded by firmly telling Gardner to stay away from his daughter and then contacted the police to report the incident.

In the aftermath of the confrontation, Gardner took a number of pills and was subsequently taken to hospital by ambulance. It was during this time that police officers arrested him. When questioned, Gardner claimed that his messages and the encounter with the girl were 'entirely innocent,' a statement that was not supported by the evidence presented in court.

Warwick Crown Court heard the case, and Gardner, aged 40 and residing on Crompton Avenue in Bidford, pleaded guilty to charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and sexually assaulting the girl. The court sentenced him to two and a half years in prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender for life.

Prosecutor Cathlyn Orchard highlighted that Gardner’s grooming began after the girl’s father had introduced her to a mobile phone, which Gardner exploited to manipulate her. The court was told that Gardner’s communication style was deceptive, as he pretended to be of a similar age to the girl, using language that appeared innocent but was laced with suggestive messages. His encouragement for her to skip school and his subsequent physical contact marked a clear escalation in his predatory behavior.

Judge Stephen Eyre QC addressed Gardner directly, acknowledging his lack of prior convictions, his good employment record, and his role as a supportive son. However, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, particularly the incitement of a 12-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity, which warranted a significant custodial sentence.