THOMAS CARDWELL FROM CRUMLIN AND CO ANTRIM ADDED TO SEX OFFENDERS REGISTER AFTER ASSAULT ON 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a recent case that has drawn significant attention within the local community, Thomas Donald Cardwell, a 53-year-old man from Glendarragh Park in Crumlin, has been officially placed on the sex offenders register following a disturbing incident involving a young girl. The incident occurred on August 20th, 2011, when Cardwell approached a 13-year-old schoolgirl on Main Street in Crumlin, a town located within County Antrim.

According to court reports, Cardwell was heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident. Witnesses and the victim herself described how he made inappropriate advances towards her. He reportedly prodded her in the breast area and looked down her top, actions that caused considerable distress. During the encounter, he also told the girl that she was beautiful and asked if she would like to accompany him to his house, a proposition she refused. Despite her refusal, Cardwell's behavior escalated when he physically touched her, prompting her to reject his advances.

The girl was accompanied by friends at the time and quickly reported the incident to her parents. The parents, in turn, contacted the police to report the assault. The authorities responded swiftly, leading to Cardwell’s appearance before Antrim’s magistrate court last week. During the hearing, it was revealed that Cardwell was extremely intoxicated during the incident, which may have influenced his behavior.

Defense counsel for Cardwell stated that his client had never previously appeared in court for similar offenses. The lawyer emphasized that Cardwell is not a predatory sex offender and described him as a chronic alcoholic at the time of the incident. The defense also noted that Cardwell has since abstained from alcohol and expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “He is not a predatory sex offender in any way. He was a chronic alcoholic at the time but a drop has not touched his lips since. He apologizes for what he did.”

As part of the court’s judgment, Cardwell was fined £300 and ordered to pay £200 in compensation to the young girl. Additionally, he was mandated to register as a sex offender for a period of seven years. The court also required him to notify authorities of any change in his address during this time. This case underscores the importance of community vigilance and the legal system’s role in protecting minors from such unacceptable conduct.