PAUL GARDNER OF SMETHWICK SENTENCED TO INDEFINITE IMPRISONMENT IN WOLVERHAMPTON FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In May 2010, Paul Gardner, a 31-year-old from South Road, Smethwick, was sentenced to indefinite imprisonment at Wolverhampton Crown Court for his extensive sexual offenses involving children. Gardner was identified as a prolific offender who possessed and downloaded approximately 17,500 obscene images, as well as filming children as young as three. He used a Russian website to acquire thousands of indecent images and exploited his position as a computer repair technician to target and approach vulnerable children in the Black Country area.

Gardner would pose as a computer repair man and extend offers to young boys in Oldbury, including invitations to tend gardens and play football, as a means to establish contact with vulnerable children. The court heard that he was apprehended after a Sussex father discovered his 13-year-old son communicating with Gardner online, during which Gardner issued threats of revenge.

A search of Gardner’s computer equipment revealed a staggering collection of 17,500 indecent images. Among his victims were children from the Black Country, including a teenage boy who attempted suicide after being targeted by Gardner. Gardner also filmed indecent footage of young boys, including two brothers filmed after Gardner attended their home for computer repairs, and three boys who were lured onto wasteland in Oldbury.

Judge Nicholas Webb ordered Gardner to serve a minimum of three years and 174 days in custody. Prosecutor Mr. Bernard Linnemann stated, “Gardner was caught after a father in Sussex discovered his 13-year-old son communicating with him online, which led to the discovery of the indecent material on his computer.”

Defense lawyer Mr. Stephen Blower explained that Gardner’s isolated childhood contributed to his interest in children. Gardner pleaded guilty to 34 charges, including 21 related to downloading indecent images and 13 for causing or inciting children to engage in sexual activities, as well as taking obscene pictures.