The Hartshill Paedophile, Duane Gardner, convicted of sexually assaulting 11 women in Stoke-on-Trent has been sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Duane Gardner, 26, from Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court today (Thursday, 8 May) after previously pleaded guilty to all 13 charges, comprising 11 counts of sexual assault against a female and two counts of sexual assault against a female aged 13 or older.
Duane Gardner perpetrated the sexual attacks on Friday, May 17, of the previous year, in the Shelton, Etruria, and Hartshill regions.
We received our initial contact at 8 AM regarding a woman who was pursued and assaulted by Duane Gardner within Hanley Cemetery. She successfully struck him in the face to defend herself.
At 9:05 AM, we received an additional report indicating that a woman was accosted and assaulted by Duane Gardner after he enquired about directions in Hanley.
Subsequent allegations were made when many survivors were approached and sexually attacked by Duane Gardner.
A black Vauxhall Astra was referenced in several of these accounts. Duane Gardner had been operating the vehicle to execute the assaults.
Armed officers located the vehicle and apprehended Duane Gardner in the city.
Duane Gardner was interviewed three times in custody and answered no comment to all of the questions.
We worked rigorously to support all of the survivors and to capture all of the evidence needed to charge Duane Gardner with 13 sexual offences.
Because of this evidence, and the sheer bravery of the survivors, Duane Gardner pleaded guilty to all of the charges and was jailed today for 21 years, with a four-year extended licence period.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Tomkins, from our rape and serious sexual offences unit (RASSO), said: ““The victims of these attacks have been our priority and I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to deliver this outcome for them.
“Duane Gardner’s actions were completely unacceptable and we will always seek the toughest punishment against perpetrators of sexual violence.
“I thank those involved for trusting us to seek justice on their behalf and recognise the courage it took for them to tell us about what happened.
“I’d also encourage anyone else affected by rape or sexual abuse, to get in touch with us.”
If you’re a survivor and you feel ready to talk, call 101 or use Live Chat on our website.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.