Former Officer Sentenced for Child Sexual Abuse

A former police officer, John Stringer, 43, from Cardiff, has been handed a 10-year prison sentence for sexually abusing a girl under the age of 13. He was convicted of five counts of sexual abuse following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court in September. The court was informed that the victim suffered “severe psychological harm” as a consequence of Stringer’s abuse. Following his conviction, Stringer was dismissed from Gwent Police and permanently barred from policing. Judge Daniel Williams, presiding over the sentencing in Newport, described Stringer’s attempts to convince a jury of his innocence as “odious and cynical.” The judge also stated that Stringer posed a “high risk to female children.” Stringer was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault by touching, two charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one charge of causing a child to watch a sexual act. In a personal victim statement, the court heard that the abuse had left a “lasting negative, painful memory” affecting a significant part of the girl’s childhood. The statement, read by prosecution lawyer Ian Wright, revealed that the girl began self-harming after the abuse and was “desperate to remove the feeling” of Stringer’s hands on her body. Her family expressed that “no matter how many times we told her she was loved, she won’t believe us.” The court was further informed that she experienced suicidal thoughts and had been taken to accident and emergency on numerous occasions, with her family fearing she would take her own life. The statement added: “She has built her barrier high, she doesn’t trust people, has no self esteem and blames herself.” During Stringer’s sentencing, Judge Williams noted regarding one aspect of the abuse that “she told you she did not want to do it, but you kept on and on at her demanding she did.” He also stated that the abuse had been escalating when Stringer was arrested. Judge Williams described the court’s experience of hearing about the impact of the abuse on the girl as “heartbreaking.” Stringer was told that “your status as a police officer enabled you to conceal your motives and offending.” Judge Williams addressed the girl’s family, saying, “it is clear to me that she is a kind, caring, intelligent and honest girl. She is to be commended for her courage in coming forward and her honesty in coming forward.” Detective Sergeant Annalisa Bartley from South Wales Police, the investigating force, expressed her hope that the trial’s outcome would help the victim “continue the process of recovering from this ordeal.” She added, “The victim in this case was incredibly brave and stoic in speaking out and helping to bring John Stringer to justice.” Chief Constable Mark Hobrough of Gwent Police stated that Stringer was “dismissed from our services due to his sickening actions” and “despicable crimes.” He commented: “Stringer has not only broken the oath of a police officer, but he has also betrayed his colleagues and the community he was meant to serve.” Hobrough acknowledged, “I know this case will impact the confidence that victims of sexual assault feel in coming forward to report to us.” He further emphasized that “Stringer’s actions do not reflect the values of our staff, many of whom work tirelessly to support victims and bring perpetrators of child sexual abuse to justice.” Stringer is required to serve a minimum of five years of his prison sentence. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.