NATHAN GARDINER FROM BODDAM ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEX WITH TEENAGE GIRL AT CHURCH SERVICES IN BODDAM

In December 2011, a disturbing case emerged involving Nathan Gardiner, a 20-year-old gospel singer from Boddam, who engaged in a troubling relationship with a 14-year-old girl he met through a church in the north-east of Scotland. The incident drew significant attention due to the setting of their interactions and the subsequent legal proceedings.

Gardiner had established a friendship with the young girl during multiple Sunday church services, which eventually developed into a more sinister relationship. Over time, he managed to seduce her, leading to two sexual encounters. The first of these took place in Gardiner’s car at a beach near New Aberdour on July 13, where the girl documented the event on a calendar, indicating her awareness of the significance of that day. The pair’s relationship continued into August, when they met again at Gardiner’s residence on Lendrum Terrace. During this second encounter, they engaged in sexual activity within the comfort of his living room. The girl recorded this event in her diary, expressing hope that “one day we will be together,” revealing her emotional investment and the complexity of her feelings.

Rumors about the relationship soon circulated within the church community, causing concern among congregants. The church’s pastor confronted Gardiner about the allegations on August 10, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Shortly after, the girl’s family was struck by tragedy when her relative passed away. Her father grew increasingly worried about her emotional state, noting that she appeared “fairly unphased” by the loss. Family members later questioned her, and she admitted to being in a relationship with Gardiner, even pointing him out on Queen Street during their conversations.

Law enforcement authorities became involved when police discovered material on Gardiner’s computer that suggested a sexual component to the relationship. Despite these findings, Gardiner’s defense argued that he had made “no admissions of a sexual nature.” During the court proceedings, Sheriff William Summers acknowledged the evidence, stating, “There was a significant sexual element to this relationship.”

Eventually, the girl confided in her family about the full extent of her relationship with Gardiner, which led to her father confronting him in anger. As a result of the case, Gardiner was placed on the sex offenders register, marking a significant legal consequence. However, he was spared from imprisonment, with the court considering the circumstances and his claims of partial responsibility. The case remains a stark reminder of the dangers of inappropriate relationships within community settings, especially involving minors and trusted figures in religious environments.