GEORGE CARTLIDGE FROM NEWCASTLE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER DECADES-OLD SEXUAL ASSAULT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a case that has spanned over three decades, Geoffrey Cartlidge, a man residing in Newcastle, has narrowly avoided imprisonment after being convicted of indecently assaulting a teenage girl during the 1970s. The incident, which took place in Stoke-on-Trent, was brought to light many years later, leading to a court hearing that examined the details of the offense and its long-lasting impact on the victim.

According to court records, Cartlidge, who was in his twenties at the time of the assault, committed the act against a girl who was under 16 years old and still attending school. The victim had previously disclosed her experience over the years, but her claims had not been believed or taken seriously until recent proceedings. The case was finally brought before Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, where Cartlidge, now aged 58 and living on Roman Drive in Newcastle, pleaded guilty to the charge of indecent assault on the day of his trial.

During the hearing, it was revealed that the assault was a singular incident, which Cartlidge admitted to, and his legal representatives argued that it was an isolated event from many years ago. Catherine O’Reilly, representing the defendant, emphasized that Cartlidge had accepted responsibility for his actions and acknowledged his guilt. She also pointed out the significant repercussions he had already faced, including the loss of his employment, as a consequence of the allegations.

Judge Paul Glenn addressed the court, highlighting the profound and lasting effects the assault had on the victim. Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the offense, the judge considered the low risk of re-offending by Cartlidge in the present day. As a result, he sentenced Cartlidge to ten months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for 18 months. Additionally, Cartlidge was ordered to undergo 12 months of supervision, complete 180 hours of unpaid community work, and was prohibited from working with children. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of seven years and ordered to pay costs amounting to £1,800.

Judge Glenn expressed his views on the case, stating, “You knew her age and you were an adult. What occurred was highly unpleasant. It affected her significantly over the intervening years.” He further remarked that, although Cartlidge claimed to have been provoked, the fact remained that the victim was a child and he was an adult at the time of the assault. The judge also noted that if the incident had occurred today, it would be charged as sexual assault.

Following the sentencing, a spokesperson from Staffordshire Police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals. The police emphasized their dedication to investigating historical allegations of sexual abuse thoroughly, regardless of how much time has passed. They encouraged anyone with information or who wishes to report past abuse to contact police via the 101 hotline, underscoring their ongoing efforts to bring offenders to justice.