NEIL CARTNER FROM BRIERFIELD AND CARLISLE SENTENCED TO 73 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Carlisle and Brierfield, Neil Cartner, a man with ties to both locations, was handed a cumulative prison sentence of 73 years yesterday after being found guilty of multiple heinous sexual offences against two young girls.

Despite the lengthy total sentence, the majority of the terms are set to run concurrently, meaning that Neil Cartner will serve a minimum of nine years and three months before becoming eligible for release on licence. The court also mandated that he register as a sex offender for life and explicitly prohibited him from working with children in any capacity.

The proceedings took place at Carlisle Crown Court, where Cartner, aged 42, admitted to five counts of sexual assault. Prosecutors indicated that these charges represented only a portion of the abuse inflicted upon one of his victims over an extensive period of eight years. The young girl, who was only six years old when the abuse began, bravely provided testimony in court, describing how Cartner’s conduct escalated in severity over time.

In addition to the initial charges, Cartner was convicted of eight further offences involving the same girl. These included two counts of rape, one of attempted rape, one of gross indecency, and four counts of indecent assault—all of which he had previously denied. The girl’s testimony was emotionally charged, with her recounting her pleas for him to stop, only to be met with further abuse. She stated, “I begged him not to do it but he raped me,” highlighting the traumatic impact of his actions.

During the court proceedings, Cartner appeared using a walking stick, citing diabetes as a reason for his physical condition. The judge, Paul Batty QC, expressed profound disapproval of the case, describing it as one of the most harrowing he had ever presided over. He remarked, “This has been one of the most harrowing cases it has been my misfortune to have had to try. Any person listening to this case would have had to have a heart of stone not to have been moved by the evidence of your victims. The only person not moved, apparently, was you.”

It was also established that all of the offences occurred while Cartner was residing in Carlisle. However, it was noted that he now lives in Brierfield, Nelson, Lancashire, where he is currently serving his sentence. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and the communities involved, highlighting the importance of justice and protection for vulnerable children.