GEORGE CARDNO SENTENCED IN PETERBOROUGH FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST BROTHER AND SISTER

In a case that has left the community of Peterborough deeply shaken, George Cardno, a 28-year-old man with no fixed address, was sentenced to a total of seven years in prison for a series of serious sexual offences committed against a young boy and girl. The offences, which spanned over a period of several years, were brought to light during a court hearing held at Peterborough Crown Court on May 26.

According to court records, the male victim, now 17 years old, was only 11 years old when the abuse began between February and November of 2004. The charges against Cardno included attempted rape of a boy under the age of 13, sexual assault, and inciting or causing a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity. These allegations paint a disturbing picture of exploitation during the victim’s early childhood.

The female victim, who is now 13, was subjected to abuse from late 2004, when she was just seven years old, continuing until early 2007. Cardno was found guilty of sexual assault and inciting or causing a girl under 13 to participate in sexual activities. The court heard that both victims came into contact with Cardno through a relative, and all incidents occurred within the boundaries of Peterborough.

Authorities arrested Cardno in September of the previous year after the boy confided in his mother about the abuse, prompting an investigation. The court proceedings culminated in a sentencing that reflects the gravity of his crimes. On June 23, 2010, Cardno was formally sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court, where he was also ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

He received a seven-year prison term for the attempted rape charge, with an additional five-year sentence for the sexual assault of the girl, to run concurrently. The sentences for the other offences were also to be served concurrently, ensuring a lengthy period of incarceration. Furthermore, the court explicitly prohibited Cardno from having any unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16 for the rest of his life.

Detective Constable Dave Connelly, who led the investigation, expressed his views on the case, stating, “These offences left the victims and their family shocked and traumatised but Cardno refused to admit what he had done. Cardno is a danger to children and that is reflected in the sentence handed down today.” The case underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action in protecting vulnerable children from predators within the community.