A British Paralympic gold medalist has been sentenced after attempting to engage in sexually explicit communication with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Gareth Duke, 39, was caught in an online sting operation conducted by the Child Online Safety Team and faced Newport Crown Court on June 2, 2023. Duke received a six-month prison sentence, which is suspended for 18 months, and will be required to register as a sex offender.
During the investigation, Duke communicated with a member of the vigilante group posing as a minor between May 25 and June 2. He arranged for the supposed girl to travel approximately 140 miles from Portsmouth to South Wales, expressing intentions to meet for a “kiss and a cuddle” and soliciting her to strip for him on camera. Prosecutor Ben Jones highlighted Duke’s awareness of the individual’s age, noting that he dismissed concerns by stating that “age was just a number.”
Duke admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. His defense team argued for a more lenient sentence, citing his health issues, including being registered blind and undergoing kidney dialysis three times a week. His lawyer, Alice Sykes, emphasized that he has no previous convictions and that rehabilitation within the community is a viable option.
Judge Matthew Porter-Bryant stated that he had “no doubt” Duke understood he was communicating with a minor. He described Duke’s actions as “predatory offending and serious criminal behavior.” Despite this, the judge acknowledged Duke’s remorse and lack of prior offenses, which contributed to the decision to suspend the sentence.
In addition to the suspended jail time, Duke must pay restitution, comply with a seven-year sexual harm prevention order, and face restrictions on his online activities to prevent further offenses.
Duke is known for his achievements in swimming, including winning a gold medal in the 100m breaststroke at the Athens 2004 Paralympics. He also earned a silver medal in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and secured a bronze in the 4x50m freestyle relay that same year. His swimming career was impacted by health challenges stemming from Alport’s syndrome, a rare inherited disorder leading to kidney failure and associated hearing and vision problems. After undergoing two kidney transplants, Duke retired from competitive swimming in 2011.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about online safety and the dangers posed by individuals attempting to exploit minors through digital platforms.
