Isle of Wight paedophile Gareth Wheeler, who subjected his victims to years of sexual abuse, has been jailed for nearly 17 years.
Wheeler, of Blackthorn Close in Oakfield, Ryde, appeared before the Isle of Wight Crown Court earlier today (Friday) for sentencing, having previously admitted to 25 sexual offences – nearly all against children.
Among them were charges involving sexual touching and digital penetration against children, voyeurism and possession of child abuse – and bestiality – images.
The offending took place over 12 years, between 2011 and 2023.
The court heard that, following his arrest, Wheeler’s computer was seized and the indecent images discovered. Among the hoard were 9x Category A images, 11x Category B images, 13x Category C images and a single image depicting bestiality.
Defending Wheeler, his solicitor Oliver Hirsch offered little mitigation having instead offered comment prior to the hearing.
44-year-old Wheeler, who first appeared in court back in February, is said to have previously found the court environment ‘remarkably stressful’, which led to the case being adjourned.
Reading aloud a personal statement in front of Wheeler, one of the complainants said that the 44-year-old had left them “scared to sleep” and that his abuse had seen their “innocence stripped away”. Judge Ashworth praised the complainant for their bravery. The victim went on to say the offendind had left her “depressed” and that she had contemplated, at points, taking her own life.
Handing down his sentence, Judge Ashworth condemned Wheeler’s offending as “awful abuse”. He added that the case was “brutal” and that there was “no way he could explain” the feelings of Wheeler’s victims.
Gareth Wheeler was sentenced to 16 years and 11 months in prison, with a further 5 to be served on licence upon release.
He was handed a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and placed on the sex offenders register for life.
The illicit material found on Wheeler’s computer will be destroyed.
