IAN WARDLEY STRAIGHT FROM STROOD LEISURE CENTRE JAILED FOR EXPOSED SEXUAL OFFENSES

In April 2016, a disturbing incident unfolded at Strood Leisure Centre in Watling Street, where Ian Wardley, a known sex offender, committed a serious breach of public safety and decency. Wardley, who had previously served time for similar offenses, was found lurking within the changing cubicles of the leisure facility, engaging in predatory behavior that culminated in him exposing himself to a young girl.

According to court proceedings, Wardley, aged 34 and muscular in build, had been released from prison only four months prior to the incident. His criminal history includes a lengthy sentence for flashing at young girls on trains in London and performing sexual acts in public. Despite his prior convictions, Wardley returned to a familiar environment, and on October 15 of the previous year, he committed his latest offense.

Just three days after acquiring a gym membership at the Strood Leisure Centre, Wardley entered the changing rooms. There, he deliberately stripped off in a cubicle and exposed himself to a nine-year-old girl. Shockingly, he also performed a sex act in front of her, an act that left the young victim visibly distressed. The girl managed to report the incident to staff members, which led to Wardley's swift arrest by authorities.

During the court hearing, Judge Charles Macdonald QC addressed the severity of Wardley's actions, stating, “It is clear you deliberately went there to do that. You remained in the changing rooms for the sole purpose of offending for approximately one hour.” The judge emphasized that Wardley's behavior was premeditated and calculated, designed to exploit the environment and the presence of children.

Wardley, who resides on Weston Road in Strood, pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and failing to comply with notification requirements. His criminal record includes an extended sentence handed down at Croydon Crown Court on August 30, 2013, after he was deemed a danger to the public.

In light of his latest offense, Wardley was sentenced to an additional extended sentence for public protection. Judge Macdonald sentenced him to 28 months in prison, with an extended four-year license period. Under the terms of his sentence, Wardley is required to serve at least two-thirds of his term before being considered for parole. Furthermore, his name will remain on the sex offenders’ register for a decade.

Additionally, Wardley is subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which explicitly bans him from entering leisure centers where children are present. This measure aims to prevent further incidents and protect vulnerable individuals from potential harm.

Detective Constable Matt Lincoln, who led the investigation, expressed his views on the case, stating, “Wardley has proven himself to be a danger to the public, and I welcome the sentence he has received. He exposed himself to a vulnerable child and left them feeling disturbed and uncomfortable. This behavior is entirely unacceptable.” He further added that Wardley now has an opportunity to reflect on his actions during his time in custody and hopes he recognizes the gravity of his offenses and the profound impact they have had on the victim.