GARY CAWTHORNE: DARTFORD AND PLUMSTEAD SEX OFFENDER STRIKES AGAIN

In a disturbing series of events spanning several years, Gary Cawthorne, a man with a history of sexual offenses, has been convicted and sentenced for multiple heinous acts involving young girls in the Dartford and Plumstead areas. His latest conviction comes after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, whom he had lured with the false promise of a job, and of grooming her for further abuse.

It was revealed that Cawthorne, aged 53 and a former Metropolitan Police officer who voluntarily left the force in 1991, had previously been spared immediate imprisonment in 2013 after he arranged to meet a 16-year-old girl through Gumtree.com. During that encounter, he falsely claimed to be a model scout working for high-profile agencies such as Select Model Management, which represents well-known models like Kelly Brook and Agyness Deyn. His deception was part of a pattern of manipulative behavior aimed at young, vulnerable girls.

In that earlier case, Cawthorne was convicted of sexual assault and received a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Despite this, he continued his predatory conduct, this time targeting a 14-year-old girl earlier this year. Under the alias 'Lee Mason,' he engaged in conversations with her through her family, claiming to be a wealthy property businessman with offices across London and Kent. He convinced her to believe he could offer her a legitimate administrative job within his fictitious company.

The court heard that Cawthorne arranged to meet the girl at King’s Cross St Pancras Station in early January. He then took her to an upscale restaurant nearby, where he continued his deception, giving her the impression of a prosperous and trustworthy individual. During their initial meeting, he obtained her date of birth and instructed her to lie about her age, telling her to say she was 18, as he was not permitted to employ someone as young as 14. This manipulation was part of his grooming process.

Subsequently, Cawthorne took the girl in his car, where he asked her to list items she wished for, claiming he would buy them to reinforce his image as a wealthy man. While driving around Peckham, he reached over and squeezed her knee, which she quickly brushed away. Later, he asked her how much it would cost to have sex with her, suggesting sums up to £300, but she refused, asserting her body was 'priceless.'

On another occasion, he picked her up from Ebbsfleet Station and took her for a drive, during which he again reached over and groped her breast over her clothing. After each meeting, Cawthorne handed her cash, ranging from £40 to £120, and repeatedly asked her how much money she wanted for sex. His actions were finally exposed when the girl’s friend noticed her Snapchat photo flashing cash, prompting her to borrow the phone and contact Cawthorne directly. The friend then alerted her parents, who contacted the police.

Following this, Cawthorne was arrested on March 2. During the court proceedings, Judge Nicholas Loraine-Smith condemned his actions, highlighting his previous conviction for sexual assault in 2013 and emphasizing the seriousness of his latest offenses. The judge noted that Cawthorne had previously been given a suspended sentence with the hope that it would deter him from reoffending, but he continued his predatory behavior.

The court also heard about Cawthorne’s earlier misconduct, including an incident in April 2012 at the Grand Hotel in Northumberland Avenue, where he measured a young woman’s body and inappropriately cupped her breasts. Additionally, while on bail for the 2012 assault, he assaulted a 20-year-old cleaner at his home after paying her for an erotic massage, an act for which he received a police caution. His criminal record also includes benefit fraud and possession of stolen Canadian dollars and Travelex cheques.

In sentencing, Cawthorne received a total of four years and five months in prison. He was handed two consecutive two-year sentences for the sexual offenses involving the 14-year-old girl and the grooming charge, with additional concurrent sentences for the sexual assaults. The court also imposed a two-month sentence for breaching a suspended sentence, reflecting the cumulative severity of his crimes.

Detective Constable Tony Foran from the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command expressed concern over Cawthorne’s dangerousness, emphasizing that his actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of young girls. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for strict enforcement against individuals who exploit vulnerable minors in the Dartford and Plumstead communities.