GERALD CATTEMOLE JAILED IN ST ALBANS FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRLS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of St Albans, Gerald Cattermole, aged 50, was sentenced to nearly three years in prison following his guilty plea to serious sexual offenses involving two teenage girls. The incident took place at his residence on Artisan Crescent, a location that had previously been a popular spot for young fans seeking autographs from the famous S Club 7 star Paul Cattermole, his son.

On Friday, January 31, at St Albans Crown Court, Judge Colin Coulston handed down the sentence after hearing detailed accounts of Cattermole’s misconduct. The court was told that over a span of three days in October of the previous year, Cattermole engaged in inappropriate and illegal activities with the two 14-year-old girls. During this period, he hosted the girls at his top-floor flat, where he watched pornographic videos with them, offering cider and sweets to encourage them to re-enact scenes from the films.

The court revealed that Cattermole’s flat had become a magnet for young fans, despite police warnings to prevent minors from entering his home. The prosecution’s counsel, Sean Minihan, described how on October 17, Cattermole indecently assaulted one of the girls while they sat in his living room watching a pornographic video that she had allegedly begged him to play. The following day, the same girl and her friend returned to the flat, where Cattermole engaged in sexual activity with one girl in the living room, with her friend present and watching.

The situation escalated on Saturday, October 19, when the two girls returned once more. Cattermole offered them cider and allowed them to bathe before they re-enacted scenes from the pornographic material. During this visit, he again assaulted one girl and then engaged in full sexual intercourse with her friend in the bedroom. The police became involved after the girls failed to return home until the next day, raising concerns that led to their rescue and subsequent investigation.

Defense lawyer Ms. Maryam Syed expressed remorse on behalf of her client, stating that Cattermole had admitted to police that the incident was “the worst mistake of my life.” She explained that her client had been suffering from depression for several months prior to the offenses. Ms. Syed emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest Cattermole used his connection to the entertainment industry or his son Paul Cattermole’s fame to lure the girls. She noted that, ironically, Cattermole had not had contact with his son for the past eight years, which had caused him significant sadness.

Judge Coulston, in his sentencing remarks, highlighted the serious nature of the crimes, especially considering the significant age difference of 36 years between Cattermole and his victims. He emphasized the importance of recognizing that girls of 14, even if they appear willing, are legally off-limits for any sexual contact. As a result of his conviction, Cattermole will be placed on the sex offenders register, marking a stark reminder of the gravity of his actions and the protections afforded to minors under the law.