GORDON PONDER'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN WALSALL AND WOLVERHAMPTON LEAVE COMMUNITY IN FEAR

In May 2013, it was reported that Gordon Ponder, a man with a long history of sexual offenses, is now residing in the Cannock and Great Wryley area. His criminal past and recent court appearances have sent shockwaves through the communities of Walsall, Wolverhampton, and surrounding areas.

Back in October 2004, Ponder, then 69 years old, was at the center of a disturbing case that revealed his sinister actions involving a teenage girl. Court proceedings at Wolverhampton Crown Court disclosed that Ponder, who was known by the nickname 'The Phantom' due to his CB radio contacts with young victims, had a documented 30-year history of sex offenses. The court heard how he had been convicted of multiple crimes, including indecent assault, and had served time in prison.

Recently, Ponder was sentenced to a three-year community rehabilitation order and was issued a five-year sex offender protection order. Despite these measures, community members and relatives of victims expressed their outrage and concern. The father of a schoolgirl who was victimized by Ponder voiced his anger, stating, "It’s absolutely disgusting that we were not told who he was because I believe we all had a right to know." He explained that he had previously believed Ponder to be a normal, friendly man, as they had interacted regularly in their neighborhood. "We used to look after each other’s houses when the other was away, and my daughter even used to go round there," he added.

The father recounted how his suspicions grew after discovering letters from Ponder that subtly hinted at inappropriate intentions towards his daughter. "It’s not the fact that he has got away with it that worries me. It’s the fact that we don’t know where he is — he could be anywhere," he said, emphasizing the community’s vulnerability and the lack of transparency about Ponder’s whereabouts.

Local councillor Carol Rose, representing Birchills Leamore, criticized the justice system’s handling of Ponder’s case, stating, "He should have been sent to prison and left to rot in his cell rather than let out into the community. Some people are sent to prison for the most ridiculous and trivial matters while this man, who has destroyed lives, escapes jail."

Historical records reveal that Ponder was released from custody in 1998 after serving half of a six-year sentence for indecent assault on children. His notoriety was further amplified by his CB radio handle, 'The Phantom,' through which he contacted at least one young victim. It is understood that Ponder has since moved away from his previous residence on Jessel Road in Walsall.

In April 1998, a family from the Midlands expressed their fear and concern over Ponder’s impending release. At that time, Ponder, then 63, was set to be released after serving part of a six-year sentence for assaulting four schoolgirls in Wolverhampton. His criminal activities spanned over two decades, during which he befriended victims’ families via CB radio and used the alias 'The Phantom.'

He was convicted at Wolverhampton Crown Court in March 1995 on four counts of assaulting young girls, including an incident involving an 11-year-old girl he denied assaulting. The court heard that Ponder had threatened to suffocate one of his victims during the attack and had been a persistent offender over a 20-year period. Judge Desmond Perrett QC sentenced him, emphasizing his duty to protect women from such predatory behavior.

Following his sentencing, the father of one of Ponder’s victims, now aged 11, expressed his fears about the upcoming release. He described his daughter as being "terrified" at the prospect of Ponder living nearby in Walsall. The girl, who has been receiving psychiatric support since the assault, reportedly broke down in tears upon learning of Ponder’s imminent release. The father added, "She has been visiting a psychiatrist since the attack and she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown."

Authorities, including West Midlands Police, community officials, and probation officers, convened to discuss the arrangements for Ponder’s supervision after his release. Ms. Sue Lane, assistant chief probation officer for Walsall and Wolverhampton, assured the public that Ponder would be placed in monitored accommodation, with daily oversight to prevent any further harm. The community remains vigilant and concerned about the safety of vulnerable residents, especially children, in light of Ponder’s criminal history and recent court rulings.