British Paralympic gold medalist swimmer Gareth Duke, 39, received a suspended six-month jail sentence after attempting to engage in sexual communication with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. The incident occurred during an online sting operation conducted by the vigilante group Child Online Safety Team, which aimed to expose individuals attempting to exploit minors.
Duke, who won gold in the Athens 2004 Paralympics, communicated with the decoy between May 25 and June 2, 2023. During these interactions, he arranged for the girl to travel approximately 140 miles from Portsmouth to South Wales, suggesting they meet for “a kiss and a cuddle.” Prosecutors revealed that Duke requested inappropriate photographs and told the decoy that “age was just a number.”
In court at Newport Crown Court, prosecutor Ben Jones detailed Duke’s actions, emphasizing the seriousness of his conduct. While Duke admitted to the charges, his legal team sought a lenient sentence, citing his health issues, including blindness, kidney failure requiring dialysis three times a week, and significant hearing loss. His lawyer, Alice Sykes, argued that he could be managed in the community due to his complex health needs and lack of previous convictions.
Judge Matthew Porter-Bryant addressed Duke’s case sternly, stating he had “no doubt” that Duke understood he was communicating with a minor. He characterized Duke’s behavior as “predatory” and underscored the seriousness of such offenses, given that the legal age of consent in the UK is 16. Although the judge noted Duke’s expression of remorse, he highlighted the need for accountability.
As part of his sentence, Duke was ordered to complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity and must register as a sex offender. He will also be subject to a seven-year sexual harm prevention order that imposes restrictions on his online activities to mitigate the risk of reoffending.
Duke’s achievements in swimming are notable. He is a three-time Paralympic medalist, having won gold in the 100m breaststroke in 2004 and earning silver and bronze medals at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. Duke was also crowned the 2006 World Champion in the same event. His athletic career was interrupted by health challenges, including Alport’s syndrome, a genetic disorder that can lead to kidney failure, and complications that necessitated kidney transplants from both his father and uncle.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the ongoing issues of online safety and the protection of minors in digital spaces. The actions of the Child Online Safety Team underscore the crucial role of vigilance in preventing child exploitation.
