ANTONIO AGARD AND HIS SHOCKING PREDATORY ACTS IN SOUTHAMPTON
A man identified as Antonio Agard, aged 54, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years after being found guilty of targeting underage girls in Southampton for sexual exploitation and infecting them with sexually transmitted diseases.The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about Agard’s predatory behavior, which involved befriending young girls on the streets, offering them gifts and money, and deliberately lying about his age in order to manipulate and exploit them.
The court heard that Agard had a history of sexual offenses and was already listed on the sex offenders register when he first encountered his initial victim in either 2002 or 2003.
According to the evidence presented, he approached her while she was walking on the street in Southampton, specifically in a BMW vehicle, which he used to establish contact.
Over the course of a relationship that persisted for two or three years, the first victim contracted gonorrhoea from Agard.
In her victim impact statement, she explained that her relationship with him led to being estranged from her family and suffering from depression, highlighting the profound and lasting harm caused.
A second victim was befriended by Agard in 2006.
The court heard that he repeatedly infected her with chlamydia during their association.
Her statement described her as having been “playing with dolls” only a month before her contact with Agard, emphasizing her young age and innocence at the time.
She expressed feelings of having had her childhood taken away by his actions.
These revelations painted a stark picture of a man who preyed on vulnerable young girls, exploiting their trust for sexual gratification.
Further investigation into Agard’s criminal record uncovered an alarming pattern of previous convictions.
He had three prior convictions related to sexual activities with underage girls, as well as a conviction for indecent assault on a child, indicating a persistent pattern of predatory behavior.
The judge in the case, Gary Burrell QC, did not mince words when addressing Agard during sentencing.
He acknowledged the severity of the offenses, describing Agard’s actions as “absolutely dreadful.” The judge elaborated that Agard operated as a “street predator,” actively seeking out young girls for sexual acts.
The court noted that Agard manipulated and brainwashed his victims, controlling their actions and exploiting their trust for his own sexual pleasure.
As part of the sentencing, Agard received consecutive six-year prison terms for each of the two counts of sexual activity with minors.
Additionally, he was issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, marking a significant measure to protect the public from any future offenses.
The case underscores the dangers of predatory individuals like Agard who exploit societal vulnerabilities and the importance of strict legal action to shield vulnerable young victims from such predators in Southampton and beyond.
