ROGER GARDENER'S DARK PAST IN BLACKWOOD: PAEDOPHILE DIES IN PRISON AFTER ESCAPE AND ARSON PLOT
| Red Rose Database
Blackwood Rapist
In December 2009, the community of Blackwood was struck by the news of the death of Roger Gardener, a convicted paedophile who had been serving a lengthy prison sentence. Gardener, aged 65 and formerly residing on High Street, Fleur-de-Lys, passed away at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend on December 22. His death followed a diagnosis of cancer that was confirmed in March of the same year, while he was incarcerated at Parc Prison in Bridgend.
Gardener's criminal history is marked by a series of disturbing events. He was initially convicted of multiple sexual offenses against a vulnerable teenage girl, including four counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault. His crimes came to light during a trial in February 2008, where evidence revealed that Gardener had raped the girl before organizing a disco in a valleys town, and had also committed further assaults in a bedroom with another girl present. Additionally, he had taken indecent photographs of his victim. Throughout the proceedings, Gardener maintained his innocence, claiming, “I never laid a finger on her,” despite the overwhelming evidence against him. His sentence was subsequently increased by an additional four years.
Beyond his sexual offenses, Gardener was involved in a plot to set fire to his own residence. In 2002, he conspired with two local brothers, Terry Williams and Steven Williams, to burn down his flat on High Street, Fleur-de-Lys. Although Gardener did not physically set the fire himself, court testimonies indicated that he was the mastermind behind the arson scheme. The Williams brothers, aged 26 and 29 respectively, were sentenced to four years and two and a half years in prison for their roles in the conspiracy. Judge John Griffith Williams, presiding over the case, expressed concern about the danger posed by the fire, noting that “the risk of fire spreading next door was all too obvious,” and criticized the brothers for their reckless disregard for the safety of others.
In the days leading up to the arson, Gardener exhibited suspicious behavior, asking neighbors and friends to watch over his property and pets, which raised suspicions about his intentions. He also attempted to establish an alibi by taking his caravan to West Wales on the night of the fire. Despite not physically setting the blaze, Gardener's involvement was clear, and he was described as the “mastermind” behind the attack. His actions demonstrated a pattern of manipulative behavior and a willingness to endanger others to serve his own interests.
Gardener's criminal activities did not end there. In April 2008, he was charged with indecently assaulting two teenage girls, but he went missing before his trial at Cardiff Crown Court could take place. His disappearance prompted a significant police manhunt, with authorities issuing appeals for information and urging the public to assist in locating him. Gwent Assembly Members, including Islwyn's Brian Hancock, expressed grave concern over Gardener's continued absence, emphasizing the potential risk he posed if still at large. Hancock highlighted the danger of an unknown whereabouts, raising fears that Gardener could be committing further offenses or harming others.
Police investigations revealed that Gardener had been released on bail prior to his disappearance, despite warnings from law enforcement that he was likely to abscond. A warrant for his arrest remains active, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility that he may have fled to Ireland or the West Country, although they are keeping an open mind regarding his current location. Gardener was previously jailed for 15 months in September 2000 after being convicted of indecently assaulting two girls, aged 12 and 13, during the 1990s. He was released on bail before sentencing, during which he allegedly masterminded the arson plot to manipulate his sentencing outcome.
In September 2000, Gardener's prison sentence was reduced from 15 months to a lesser term after a court accepted that his home had been attacked by fire, which caused him significant distress. The judge, Mr. Justice Gaskell, acknowledged the impact of the arson, which had forced him out of his residence, and ordered that Gardener serve half of his sentence. He was also required to register as a sex offender for ten years.
Throughout his criminal history, Gardener's actions have left a lasting scar on the community of Blackwood. His death in prison marked the end of a tumultuous and troubling chapter, but questions remain about his whereabouts during his period of escape and whether he posed ongoing risks to the public. The police continue their efforts to locate any remaining associates or individuals who may have aided him, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in ensuring justice and safety for all residents.
Gardener's criminal history is marked by a series of disturbing events. He was initially convicted of multiple sexual offenses against a vulnerable teenage girl, including four counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault. His crimes came to light during a trial in February 2008, where evidence revealed that Gardener had raped the girl before organizing a disco in a valleys town, and had also committed further assaults in a bedroom with another girl present. Additionally, he had taken indecent photographs of his victim. Throughout the proceedings, Gardener maintained his innocence, claiming, “I never laid a finger on her,” despite the overwhelming evidence against him. His sentence was subsequently increased by an additional four years.
Beyond his sexual offenses, Gardener was involved in a plot to set fire to his own residence. In 2002, he conspired with two local brothers, Terry Williams and Steven Williams, to burn down his flat on High Street, Fleur-de-Lys. Although Gardener did not physically set the fire himself, court testimonies indicated that he was the mastermind behind the arson scheme. The Williams brothers, aged 26 and 29 respectively, were sentenced to four years and two and a half years in prison for their roles in the conspiracy. Judge John Griffith Williams, presiding over the case, expressed concern about the danger posed by the fire, noting that “the risk of fire spreading next door was all too obvious,” and criticized the brothers for their reckless disregard for the safety of others.
In the days leading up to the arson, Gardener exhibited suspicious behavior, asking neighbors and friends to watch over his property and pets, which raised suspicions about his intentions. He also attempted to establish an alibi by taking his caravan to West Wales on the night of the fire. Despite not physically setting the blaze, Gardener's involvement was clear, and he was described as the “mastermind” behind the attack. His actions demonstrated a pattern of manipulative behavior and a willingness to endanger others to serve his own interests.
Gardener's criminal activities did not end there. In April 2008, he was charged with indecently assaulting two teenage girls, but he went missing before his trial at Cardiff Crown Court could take place. His disappearance prompted a significant police manhunt, with authorities issuing appeals for information and urging the public to assist in locating him. Gwent Assembly Members, including Islwyn's Brian Hancock, expressed grave concern over Gardener's continued absence, emphasizing the potential risk he posed if still at large. Hancock highlighted the danger of an unknown whereabouts, raising fears that Gardener could be committing further offenses or harming others.
Police investigations revealed that Gardener had been released on bail prior to his disappearance, despite warnings from law enforcement that he was likely to abscond. A warrant for his arrest remains active, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility that he may have fled to Ireland or the West Country, although they are keeping an open mind regarding his current location. Gardener was previously jailed for 15 months in September 2000 after being convicted of indecently assaulting two girls, aged 12 and 13, during the 1990s. He was released on bail before sentencing, during which he allegedly masterminded the arson plot to manipulate his sentencing outcome.
In September 2000, Gardener's prison sentence was reduced from 15 months to a lesser term after a court accepted that his home had been attacked by fire, which caused him significant distress. The judge, Mr. Justice Gaskell, acknowledged the impact of the arson, which had forced him out of his residence, and ordered that Gardener serve half of his sentence. He was also required to register as a sex offender for ten years.
Throughout his criminal history, Gardener's actions have left a lasting scar on the community of Blackwood. His death in prison marked the end of a tumultuous and troubling chapter, but questions remain about his whereabouts during his period of escape and whether he posed ongoing risks to the public. The police continue their efforts to locate any remaining associates or individuals who may have aided him, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in ensuring justice and safety for all residents.