GUNTER WIRTH FROM CIRENCESTER ESCAPES PRISON AFTER ADMITTING TO SEX WITH UNDER-AGE GIRL IN SHOCKING CASE

In a highly unusual and disturbing case heard at Gloucester Crown Court, Gunter Wirth, a 48-year-old man from Dyer Street in Cirencester, faced serious allegations involving a minor. Wirth admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a girl who was only 15 years old at the time, and the case drew significant attention due to its complex and sensitive nature.

Wirth's criminal record includes admitting to having sex with the under-age girl between March 31 and April 31, 2003. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to another offence of illegal sexual activity with the same girl between April 30 and June 30, 2005. Despite the gravity of these admissions, Wirth was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment. Instead, he received a two-year jail sentence that was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offence within that period.

Alongside the suspended sentence, Wirth was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work and pay costs amounting to £500. The judge, Jamie Tabor QC, described the case as “one of the most unusual I have ever encountered,” highlighting the complexity and sensitivity involved. Notably, the judge took the unprecedented step of hearing directly from the victim, now a 24-year-old woman, before delivering his sentence. He described her as a “forthright young woman” and stated that her views had been carefully considered in the sentencing process.

During the proceedings, Wirth chose to represent himself, refusing legal counsel. He presented letters of reference from clients, including individuals associated with the family of James Bond author Ian Fleming, claiming these demonstrated support for him. Prosecutor Lisa Hennessy revealed that after the girl became pregnant, she initially told her family that the father was a boy named Michael. However, she continued her relationship with Wirth even after the birth of her child.

Wirth, a South African who moved to the UK in 2002, was arrested in May of this year. During police interviews, he admitted to the offences and described his actions as an “error of judgement.” DNA testing confirmed that he was “almost certainly” the father of the child. Wirth argued that a prison sentence would cause significant hardship for his family, who depend on his income. He also highlighted that his nine-year-old daughter has cerebral palsy and requires constant care, which he said would be disrupted by incarceration.

In his statement to the court, Wirth expressed remorse, stating, “Granted, I have made a mistake. Someone asked me why I just didn’t leave and go to South Africa after I was arrested, but I want to stay and take responsibility.” The judge acknowledged the “unique circumstances” of the case and emphasized the importance of reflecting these factors in his sentencing decision, ultimately opting for a suspended sentence rather than immediate imprisonment.