JOHN WARDLE

MANIPULATIVE SEXUAL PREDATOR JAILED

A 36-year-old man, described as a "manipulative sexual predator," has received a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of various crimes against minors.

John Wardle's offending included incidents he committed while he was still a minor, as well as more recent offenses committed when he was an adult.

The Nottinghamshire Police investigation was triggered in 2018 following allegations of historic rape and sexual assault from when a girl was victimized in the early 2000s.

Additionally, authorities discovered that Wardle had assaulted a teenage boy who was vulnerable, with these incidents occurring as recently as 2017.

The assaults involved pretend medical examinations, and the boy only reported the abuse after confiding in another person.

Wardle denied all charges, asserting that his victims were not truthful.

In court proceedings at Nottingham Crown Court in July, he was convicted on multiple charges, including four counts of rape, one involving a child under 13, as well as sexual assault and sexual activity with a minor under 13.

He also faced convictions on four counts related to sexual activities with a vulnerable individual.

Earlier, a trial jury had failed to reach a verdict, resulting in their discharge.

At his sentencing on Tuesday, Wardle, who previously lived in Bulwell, was sentenced to a term of 22 years imprisonment.

He was also mandated to register as a sex offender and was subjected to a restraining order that prevents him from contacting his victims now or in the future.