Daniel Gardner 53

Description

A registered Carlisle sex offender has a jail term "hanging over his head" after creating online usernames without notifying police.

Daniel Gardner, 53, was sentenced to three years in prison in 2016 for downloading and distributing indecent photographs of children. Carlisle Crown Court heard he also discussed child abuse online with adults and children, and incited youngsters to engage in sexual activity. He admitted 13 charges, with the youngest victim purportedly aged 11.

As punishment, Gardner was placed on the sex offender register indefinitely, requiring him to inform police of personal details and online use.

However, Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard he violated this by creating three usernames: two earlier this year, and one between January 2021 and September this year. He admitted three failures to comply.

Defense solicitor Adele Graham noted Gardner, of Levens Drive, Carlisle, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, was compliant in interviews, and deeply remorseful. A probation report recommended community-based punishment, citing his low mood and anxiety, which prison would exacerbate.

District Judge Philip Holden called the original crimes "extremely serious." "You know well you are not to create online usernames without first telling the police about them," he said.

He imposed a 24-week suspended prison sentence for two years, plus rehabilitation and a 26-day program. "You know now that this is hanging over your head," the judge told Gardner. "If you don’t comply, you know what’s going to happen. You have come very close to going to prison today. Take this chance. Comply with your order."