IAIN QUARRIER FROM LADBROKE GROVE FACES JAIL AFTER ATTEMPTED ABDUCTIONS AT SAINSBURY'S

In a series of disturbing incidents at a Sainsbury's supermarket located in Canal Way, Ladbroke Grove, Iain Quarrier, a 68-year-old man, was involved in two separate attempts to target young girls. The first incident, which took place in September 2008, involved Quarrier attempting to abduct a nine-year-old girl by offering her a £20 note and making a disturbing comment, saying, 'I want to buy you.' The girl’s mother, who was present at the time, chose not to press charges, but CCTV footage later confirmed Quarrier’s involvement, leading to the incident being recorded in court proceedings.

Approximately two weeks after this initial event, Quarrier was involved in a second, equally alarming episode at the same Ladbroke Grove store. On this occasion, he was heavily intoxicated and attempted to lure a five-year-old girl away from her mother at the checkout area. The young girl was screaming and clearly distressed as Quarrier tried to lead her away, prompting immediate concern and intervention from witnesses. The court heard that Quarrier’s behavior was influenced by alcohol, which he had consumed excessively, and that he had a history of similar offenses.

Blackfriars Crown Court was informed that Quarrier had previously received a police caution in 1996 for indecently assaulting two young girls. Despite this, he had not been convicted of any recent offenses until these incidents. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Aidan Marron QC described Quarrier’s actions as deeply troubling. He stated, “In my judgement you present a problem. You pleaded guilty to attempting to abduct a little girl in a supermarket in front of her mother, who was absolutely terrified. You tried to drag the child away. Around the same time, you were also involved in a disturbing incident when you sought to buy a little girl and offered her £20.”

The judge also acknowledged Quarrier’s earlier allegations, noting that the victim’s mother did not wish to pursue charges at the time, but CCTV footage later identified him. The court considered expert opinions indicating that Quarrier is not classified as a paedophile, and with some reluctance, the judge decided to impose a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years. The sentence also included supervision by the probation service, which may involve participation in an alcohol treatment program. Additionally, Quarrier was issued a prohibited activity order, forbidding him from approaching any children without supervision.

Throughout the proceedings, Quarrier’s defense argued that his actions were not premeditated but were influenced by his ongoing struggles with alcohol. His lawyer, Hugh Blake-James, explained that Quarrier suffers from Korsakoff’s syndrome, a form of dementia, which affects his judgment. The defense highlighted that when sober, Quarrier is a friendly and engaging individual who has led an interesting life, and emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest he has any paedophilic tendencies.

Quarrier, who resides on Chesterton Road in Ladbroke Grove, was remanded in custody twice during the court process to allow him to sober up. The judge reminded him during one of these remand periods, “Don’t be late, don’t be drunk,” underscoring the importance of his sobriety moving forward. The court’s decision reflects a cautious approach, balancing the seriousness of his offenses with the recognition of his health issues and lack of predatory intent.