RAF CORPORAL WHO GROOMED FEMALE AIR CADETS JAILED
An RAF cadet group leader from Carterton has been convicted of molesting one of his underage charges during a radio training course with the Royal Air Force.Corporal Gary Larner, aged 28 and a recipient of commendations for his overseas service, was described during proceedings as having groomed two female cadets aged 15 in 2018 and 2019.
He touched both victims inappropriately, attempted to kiss one during the cadet course, persisted in communicating with them via social media, and convinced both to send explicit photographs of themselves.
One of the victims informed investigators that Larner told her she ‘owed’ him; she admitted uncertainty about his exact meaning but suspected her participation in courses was influenced by his interactions.
The other girl, whose aspiration to become an RAF medic was subsequently abandoned, struggled with anxiety and nightmares following her assault.
At Oxford Crown Court, Judge Maria Lamb sentenced Larner to 40 months in prison, describing his misconduct as a severe abuse of his authority and trust.
The judge highlighted that Larner’s role within the RAF came with significant responsibilities, which he grossly misused, including betraying the trust of the girls’ parents who believed their daughters were in safeguarding-compatible meetings.
Larner’s conduct was further condemned because he continued to contact the victims via social media despite being warned not to do so.
Prosecutor Gabrielle McAvock explained Larner, then approximately 23, met both victims through his voluntary cadet work.
Both 15-year-olds were sexually touched by him and sent explicit images at his behest.
He also visited one girl’s home when her mother was away, removing her trousers and touching her inappropriately.
The second victim was targeted in September and October 2019 during a radio course, where Larner touched her thigh beneath her trousers and attempted to kiss her later that day.
They were also said to have kissed near her home on other occasions, with the girl sending him explicit images in response to his requests.
The prosecution pointed out that Larner’s actions were aggravated by prior warnings from his superiors regarding improper contact with cadets on social media.
Larner initially denied the allegations during police interviews in 2020 and the following year, claiming he had not met the girls outside cadet activities.
He pleaded guilty in April to six counts of sexual activity with a minor, which prevented the victims from giving pre-recorded testimonies; earlier, he had maintained his innocence.
Additional evidence included text messages with a third cadet, in which Larner used graphic sexual language, but the judge ruled that this could not be presented as evidence of his bad character.
Defense lawyer Alistair Grainger highlighted Larner’s decorated service record, including some secret awards from the RAF, and mentioned references from senior officers like Squadron Leader Parry.
He also noted Larner’s involvement in humanitarian aid efforts, such as after the 2015 terrorist attack in Tunisia.
Expressing remorse, Larner acknowledged his disgraceful conduct, and the court ordered him to remain on the sex offender register for life.
