In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that then 43-year-old Steven Gardner—of Summerleaze, Trowbridge, Wiltshire—was jailed for nearly four years following a predatory strike against a child. The investigation established that in 2019, Gardner attended a party in Trowbridge where he targeted a 13-year-old boy. The prosecution reported at Swindon Crown Court that after most adults had gone to bed, Gardner lured the boy into a kitchen, offered him cider and cigarettes, and subsequently attempted to kiss and cuddle him before exposing himself.
The investigation established that the victim demonstrated significant bravery by physically resisting Gardner—bending back the attacker’s finger to escape—before alerting the hostess. The prosecution reported that Gardner remained outside the front door until police arrived. Despite eventually pleading guilty to sexual assault to avoid a trial for attempted rape, Gardner brazenly shouted that his victim was “a complete liar” as he was being led away to start his custodial term.
Judicial Findings and Sentencing
The court reported that Gardner was a repeat offender, having previously served 18 months in 2006 for the sexual assault of a woman. The investigation established that Gardner “took advantage” of a social situation to target a vulnerable minor. The prosecution reported that Judge Peter Crabtree praised the “brave” victim, who stated he was pleased the assault happened to him rather than a younger child who might not have known how to fight back.
Judge-led proceedings at Swindon Crown Court concluded in 2020. For his actions in Trowbridge, Wiltshire and the nature of the serial child abuse reported, Gardner was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison. The judge also imposed a lifetime restraining order protecting the boy and his mother, alongside a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that strictly prohibits Gardner from any unsupervised contact with children under 16.
Status and Statutory Requirements
Based on the judicial orders issued at Swindon Crown Court in 2020:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Sexual assault of a child under 13; Attempted rape charge ordered to lie on file).
- Custodial Status: SERVED (Sentenced to 3 years and 9 months in 2020; custodial term concluded).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active FOR LIFE.
- SHPO Status: Active FOR LIFE (Prohibiting unsupervised contact with under-16s and mandating disclosure to parents).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite and permanent ban from any role involving children or regulated activity).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Swindon Crown Court; investigated by Wiltshire Police.
- Criminal Record: Recidivist offender with a prior 2006 sexual assault conviction; Targeted a 13-year-old at a house party; Used alcohol to groom the victim; Denied the victim’s truth in open court; Jailed for 3 years and 9 months.
- Origin: Summerleaze, Trowbridge, Wiltshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Gardner is managed as a high-risk recidivist offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Wiltshire. Due to the nature of his behaviour—specifically his “predatory” strikes in social settings and his verbal hostility toward his victim—he is a priority for high-level supervision. Authorities reported that the 2020 conviction ensures Gardner is subject to lifelong monitoring to prevent any further violation of human decency against children or women in Trowbridge, Wiltshire or elsewhere.
As a registered sex offender for life, his details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Gardner’s behaviour identifies an individual who prioritised his own gratification over the safety and human rights of a 13-year-old boy. Any failure by Gardner to adhere to his notification requirements or his restrictive court orders in Trowbridge, Wiltshire or elsewhere will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who has violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that the offender shouted that his victim was a “Liar” despite pleading guilty, do you believe the law should legally mandate an automatic sentence increase for any sex offender who verbally abuses their victim in open court?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.