GARETH OLIVER FROM NEWCASTLE JAILED AFTER TRAVELING TO KENT TO MEET BOYS AND PLAY WITH CONDOMS
In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing threat posed by convicted sex offenders, Gareth Oliver, a man originally from Newcastle, has been sentenced to six years in prison after traveling over 300 miles to Kent with the intent of meeting young boys for sexual purposes.The court heard that Oliver, who was on license and under supervision at the time, had previously served time for abusing minors and was still subject to strict restrictions on contact with children under 16.
Oliver, formerly residing on Shield Street in Newcastle upon Tyne, had groomed two boys through an extensive series of phone messages, sometimes sending as many as 100 messages daily.
Using the alias 'Wolfie,' he built a relationship with the victims via Blackberry Messaging, gradually escalating his communication to arrange a face-to-face meeting.
His plan was to sleep rough with the boys during his trip, but this was thwarted when concerned parents intervened, raising suspicions about his intentions.
He paid £52 for a coach ticket from Newcastle to Medway, bringing along his BMX bike and swimming trunks, indicating his intent to spend time with the boys in Kent.
Despite his plans, the parents' vigilance prevented any further harm.
The following day, Oliver, then aged 20, cycled with the boys in Gillingham and was observed inflating condoms, an act that raised alarm among those nearby.
Two boys, aged 12 and 13, went home, while Oliver chose to sleep rough in Broadway Park.
Subsequently, the boys went swimming, but a mother, suspicious of Oliver's presence, went to the pool and later took her son home.
She also noticed Oliver hiding behind a wall and discovered blown-up condoms and empty packets in her garden.
Her suspicions led to further investigation, and eventually, two fathers managed to detain Oliver until police arrived.
During his arrest, officers found condoms in his pocket, confirming his intentions.
Oliver denied the charges, claiming he had only traveled to Kent for 'fun.' However, the court found his actions to be a clear case of grooming and predatory behavior.
Judge Martin Joy described the case as 'very determined grooming' and expressed concern about Oliver's future, stating, 'It is very difficult to see what sort of life you are going to have except in an institution.' As part of his sentence, Oliver will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least two-thirds of his six-year term.
Additionally, he will be on license for a further three years after his release.
His name will remain on the sex offenders’ register, and a sexual offences prevention order was issued to restrict his future contact with minors, emphasizing the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
