Man jailed for multiple sexual offences in Stoke-on-Trent
Gardner carried out the sexual assaults on Friday 17 May
Staffordshire Police have confirmed a man, who sexually assaulted 11 women in Stoke-on-Trent, has been jailed for 21 years.
Duane Gardner, 26, of Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to all 13 offences, including 11 counts of sexual assault of a female and two counts of sexual assault of a female aged 13 or over.
The force said Gardner carried out the sexual assaults on Friday 17 May last year in the Shelton, Etruria and Hartshill areas.
Officers were first called at 8am after a woman was followed and attacked by Gardner inside Hanley Cemetery.
She managed to punch him in the face in an effort to protect herself.
Then, at 9.05am, we got a separate report that a woman was approached and attacked by Gardner after he asked her for directions in Hanley.
In a number of these reports, a black Vauxhall Astra was mentioned. Gardner had been driving around in it to carry out the attacks.
Armed officers tracked the car down and arrested Gardner in the city.
"we will always seek the toughest punishment"
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Tomkins, from our rape and serious sexual offences unit (RASSO), said: ““The victims of these attacks have been our priority and I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to deliver this outcome for them.
“Gardner’s actions were completely unacceptable and we will always seek the toughest punishment against perpetrators of sexual violence.
“I thank those involved for trusting us to seek justice on their behalf and recognise the courage it took for them to tell us about what happened.
“I’d also encourage anyone else affected by rape or sexual abuse, to get in touch with us.”