A former police officer from Gwent Police has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually abusing a girl under the age of 13. John Stringer, 43, from Cardiff, was found guilty at Cardiff Crown Court in September 2024 of five counts of sexual abuse, including two counts of sexual assault by touching, one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and causing a child to watch a sexual act.
The court heard that Stringer, who was dismissed from Gwent Police following his conviction and barred from policing for life, exploited his status as an officer to hide his predatory behaviour. Judge Daniel Williams, during the sentencing at Newport Crown Court on 4 November 2024, described Stringer's attempts to maintain his innocence as 'odious and cynical' and labelled him a 'high risk to female children'. The judge noted that in one instance of the abuse, the victim had explicitly told Stringer she did not want to participate, but he persisted in his demands.
The impact on the victim was profound, as detailed in a personal victim statement read by prosecution lawyer Ian Wright. The girl, who suffered severe psychological harm, described the abuse as leaving a 'lasting negative, painful memory' of much of her childhood. She began self-harming in a desperate attempt to remove the sensation of Stringer's touch, developed suicidal thoughts, and required multiple visits to accident and emergency departments. Her family expressed heartbreak, stating that despite their reassurances of love, she struggles with self-blame, low self-esteem, and a deep mistrust of others, having built 'high barriers' around herself.
Judge Williams commended the victim's courage, calling her 'a kind, caring, intelligent and honest girl' and praising her honesty in coming forward. He highlighted the 'heartbreaking' testimony about the abuse's effects and emphasised how Stringer's role enabled him to conceal his motives. The abuse was escalating at the time of his arrest, according to court proceedings.
Detective Sergeant Annalisa Bartley from South Wales Police, the investigating force, praised the victim's bravery in speaking out and hoped the outcome would aid her recovery. Chief Constable Mark Hobrough of Gwent Police condemned Stringer's 'sickening actions' and 'despicable crimes', noting that they betrayed his oath, colleagues, and the community. He reassured that such behaviour does not reflect the force's values, with many officers dedicated to supporting victims of child sexual abuse.
Stringer must serve a minimum of five years before being eligible for parole. The case, reported by BBC News on 4 November 2024, underscores the betrayal of trust by those in positions of authority.