GARETH WARD FROM NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS SENTENCED AFTER PLOTTING TO MEET 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a case that has shocked the community of Newton-le-Willows, Gareth Ward, a 31-year-old man, was sentenced to 16 months in prison after being caught in a sting operation conducted by paedophile hunters. The incident unfolded in April 2018, when Ward had arranged to meet what he believed was a 14-year-old girl at a hotel in Stoke-on-Trent, with the intent of engaging in sexual activity.

Ward, who resides on London Row in Newton-le-Willows, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court to face charges related to his online predatory behavior. The court was informed that Ward had been engaging in what he thought were private online conversations with a minor girl. However, these conversations were actually with members of Decoy Central, a group dedicated to catching individuals attempting to exploit minors.

During the proceedings, Judge Clement Goldstone, QC, highlighted Ward’s conduct, noting that he had asked the girl to stop mentioning her age, claiming it made him feel old rather than out of guilt. Despite this, Ward proceeded to make concrete plans to meet her in person. He booked a double room at a hotel in Stoke-on-Trent for April 14, intending to carry out the sexual encounter. Fortunately, police were tipped off about his plans and arrested him before he could board the train to Stoke.

In his possession at the time of arrest, Ward had an overnight bag containing several items, including a charm bracelet intended for the girl, a boxed sex toy, condoms, a camera, and a pair of girls’ knickers. These items underscored the seriousness of his intentions.

Ward’s criminal history includes a previous conviction for engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl and for making indecent photographs of children. Despite this, a psychologist testified that Ward was not sexually attracted to underage girls. The court, however, was unconvinced by this assertion. Judge Goldstone explicitly disagreed, stating, “It is naive in the extreme to hold and express such a view when it is clear you do.”

When questioned by police, Ward denied any actual intent to have sex with the girl, claiming he had no such plans. Nonetheless, the judge emphasized that Ward had planned the meeting and intended to follow through, with the possibility of engaging in oral sex or full sexual intercourse.

In addition to his prison sentence, Ward was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years. A Sexual Behaviour Order was also imposed for the same duration, restricting his activities and contact with minors.

During the hearing, Ward’s legal representative, Martyn Walsh, urged the court to consider treatment options instead of imprisonment, arguing that Ward needed help for his issues. However, the judge pointed out that Ward had failed to take advantage of available assistance during his previous 12-month sentence for similar offences in 2011.

Prosecutor Claire Jones detailed how Ward had initiated contact with the fictitious girl via the internet platform Fastmeet in February 2018. Their conversations, which included exchanges on WhatsApp, involved explicit questions about her physical appearance and sexual capabilities, further illustrating his predatory intent.