Duane Gardner

A man from Hartshill in Stoke-on-Trent has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for carrying out multiple sexual assaults on women in the city. Duane Gardner, aged 26, targeted 11 victims in a series of attacks that took place across the Shelton, Etruria, and Hartshill areas on Friday, 17 May 2024.

The incidents began early that morning when Staffordshire Police received a call at 8am reporting that a woman had been followed and attacked by Gardner inside Hanley Cemetery. The victim fought back by punching him in the face to defend herself. Shortly after, at 9.05am, another report came in of a woman being approached and assaulted by Gardner after he asked her for directions in Hanley. Witnesses and reports from several of the attacks mentioned a black Vauxhall Astra, which Gardner was using to drive around and locate his victims.

Armed officers quickly tracked down the vehicle and arrested Gardner in the city. He later pleaded guilty to all 13 offences, comprising 11 counts of sexual assault of a female and two counts of sexual assault of a female aged 13 or over. The case was handled by Staffordshire Police's Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit (RASSO).

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Tomkins from the RASSO unit commented on the case, stating: “The victims of these attacks have been our priority and I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to deliver this outcome for them. Gardner’s actions were completely unacceptable and we will always seek the toughest punishment against perpetrators of sexual violence.” She also praised the victims for their courage in coming forward and encouraged others affected by sexual abuse to contact the police.

This sentencing underscores Staffordshire Police's commitment to pursuing justice for victims of sexual violence, with the force confirming the details in a statement reported by local media on 9 May 2025.