Police officer found guilty of sexually abusing girl under the age of 13

A police officer has been found guilty of sexually abusing a girl under the age of 13.

John Stringer was on trial at Cardiff Crown Court where a jury returned its verdict on Monday.

The 42-year-old from Cardiff had been suspended from duty by Gwent Police when the force first became aware of the allegations against him.

They first came to light after the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told a teaching assistant at her primary school.

The five offences against the girl took place over a period from December 2019 to July 2021.

The charges included two counts of sexual assault by touching, two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act.

‘Horrific and sickening abuse’

Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend from Gwent Police said the offences were “sickening”.

“These are some of the most heinous crimes that we as a police service are dedicated in investigating, his offending is a betrayal of his role as an officer,” she said.

“We’d like to commend the bravery of the victim in this case, speaking out about such horrific abuse is hard and we understand the further impact of going through the court process will have.

“We’re now able to rapidly progress appropriate misconduct proceedings against this individual following the conclusion of the trial.”

Stringer denied the charges against him and a jury last year failed to reach a verdict.

But a retrial was held at Cardiff Crown Court and the defendant was found guilty on all five counts.

Stringer will be sentenced on 28 October.

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