DANIEL CARTER FROM BURSTLEM JAILED FOR ABDUCTION IN HANLEY'S CENTRAL FOREST PARK

In a disturbing incident that unfolded in Hanley's Central Forest Park, teenager Daniel Carter, aged 18, was convicted and sentenced to 32 months in a young offenders' institution for the abduction of a 10-year-old girl. The horrifying event took place on a summer afternoon in July 2011, leaving the local community shaken and prompting increased police patrols in the area.

According to reports, Carter was under the influence of a dangerous mix of substances, including cocaine, cannabis, and alcohol, at the time of the attack. He seized the opportunity when the young girl was out with her father, who was nearby. Carter forcibly grabbed the girl, covering her mouth to prevent her from screaming, and dragged her into nearby bushes. There, he was joined by a second teenager, who was waiting in concealment.

During the ordeal, Carter took photographs of the girl and issued threats to her life, specifically warning that he would cut her throat. The girl was held in the bushes for approximately 20 minutes, during which she endured immense fear and trauma. Her brave attempt to call for help was ultimately successful when she managed to shout out to her father, alerting him to her distress. Her cry, “Dad, a man’s got me, he is trying to take me,” was heard by her father, who was searching for her after she had become separated from him due to another incident involving a different child in their group needing medical assistance.

Coincidentally, a police helicopter was conducting a training exercise overhead at the time. The sight of the helicopter and the panic of the two teenagers in the bushes led them to flee the scene. Police officers later recovered a jacket and a mobile phone case belonging to Carter from the bushes, which helped in his subsequent arrest.

Following his apprehension, Carter admitted to police that he was “off his head” on alcohol and drugs during the incident. He insisted that he had no sexual interest in young girls, attempting to downplay the severity of his actions. Carter, who resides on Leonard Street in Burslem, pleaded guilty to the charge of child abduction.

During the court proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, it was revealed that the girl had become separated from her father after another child in their group was injured and required an ambulance. The young girl continues to undergo counseling to cope with the trauma inflicted by the attack.

Judge Paul Glenn, presiding over the case, expressed his concern during sentencing. He stated, “This 10-year-old girl had simply gone to the park to play. When her father found out she was missing, it is every parent’s worst nightmare. When he found her, she was hysterical, crying and shaking like a leaf. She was a very brave little girl. I view you as potentially dangerous.”

In response to the incident, Staffordshire Police increased patrols at Central Forest Park to ensure public safety. Detective Inspector Dave Giles, who led the investigation, emphasized the impact on the victim’s family, noting that her parents believe Carter should serve his full sentence. He added that the girl has been severely traumatized, suffering nightmares and developing a fear of going out in public. Her reluctance to visit her father’s residence in Stoke-on-Trent, which is near the crime scene, has strained their relationship.

Police also disclosed that a 16-year-old boy from Stoke-on-Trent, who was arrested in connection with the case, was released without charge. Authorities are still actively searching for the second teenager involved in the incident, who was seen in the bushes with Carter. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the police at 0300 1234455 to assist in the ongoing investigation.