ANTHONY DELARME'S SHOCKING CRIME IN GLOUCESTER: CHILD ABUSE AT RICHMOND GARDENS

A disturbing case of child sexual abuse has come to light in Gloucester, involving Anthony Delarme, a 28-year-old swimming instructor from Richmond Gardens, Longlevens. Delarme was entrusted with the care of a three-year-old girl on New Year’s Eve in 2018, a responsibility that tragically resulted in a heinous act of abuse.

On the morning following the incident, the child's mother returned home earlier than expected and discovered evidence suggesting her daughter had been molested. The discovery prompted an immediate investigation, leading to Delarme’s arrest and subsequent trial.

Delarme faced a seven-day trial at Gloucester Crown Court, where he was convicted of the serious charges. The court heard that he was responsible for babysitting the young girl from approximately 16:30 GMT on December 31, 2018, until about 01:20 on January 1. During this period, he was alone with the child, which the prosecution emphasized as a critical point in establishing responsibility.

Prosecutor Emma Martin stated that although the precise manner in which the injuries occurred could not be definitively determined, it was clear that Delarme was the only person present with the girl at the relevant time and thus the only possible perpetrator. She underscored the certainty of his guilt, asserting, “He was the only person in the company of the child at the appropriate time and therefore only he can be the one responsible.”

Following the conviction, Delarme was sentenced to 12 years in prison. The court was informed that he was a swimming coach at Gloucester’s GL1 leisure centre, and that he had previous convictions related to possessing extreme images. Judge Ian Lawrie QC acknowledged the positive reputation Delarme had built working with children, noting that witnesses spoke highly of his skills and abilities. However, the judge expressed concern over the fact that Delarme had retained some of these extreme images, which cast a shadow over his character.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Lawrie stated, “Whatever the exact depth of your sexual depravity, the assault on the three-year-old child was simply an echo of that perverted sexual appetite that you clearly had.” The judge also ordered Delarme to sign the sex offenders' register for life and prohibited him from ever working with children again, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the need to protect vulnerable minors from potential harm.