A “DANGEROUS” and “predatory” paedophile who raped and abused a pre-pubescent child over a two-year period has become just the third Islander to receive a life sentence for offences other than murder.

During yesterday’s Royal Court sentencing, Aaron Roy Forsythe Gardner (36) was told his crimes had been “heinous in their planning and continued execution” as he was told he must serve a minimum of 13 years and 263 days and was placed on the Sexual Offenders’ Register for at least 30 years.

After a five-day trial in June 2026, Gardner was found guilty of two counts of sexual penetration of a child under 12 and one count of sexual touching of a child under 12. The offending took place over a period during which the offender was involved in the child’s care.

Delivering the court’s sentence, Commissioner Patricia Lees, presiding, said Gardner is a “highly dangerous man” and a “predatory pedophile with no boundaries” whose “capacity for deception” should not be underestimated.

The court heard that Gardner claimed in his pre-sentencing hearing that the parents of the victim had an “evil vendetta” against him, continuing to deny his offences and accusing the parents of “coercing” the child into making false allegations about him.

Commissioner Lees said that the fact he continued to deny his guilt displayed a lack of empathy and that Gardner could have reduced the victim and their family’s risk of prolonged trauma by pleading guilty early, but instead maintained a “carefully crafted narrative”.

She added that that the “utter lack” of remorse shown by Gardner was “palpable” – and that he “unwittingly” displays a high level of risk.

She ruled: “Given your denial of your sexual interest in children, it outlines the overview that this court has,” adding that the his target had been a “highly vulnerable child”.

Commissioner Lees said that Gardner’s offences were serious enough to warrant a life sentence given the “immediate risk” of him committing further offences.

Outlining the case, Crown Advocate Lauren Hallam, prosecuting, said that the victim now experiences frequent night terrors and becomes distressed around men.

Gardner’s offending came to light when the victim told their mother that they did not like to do “bad things” with the defendant but that Gardner would reassure them “it was just love”.

In a victim statement from the child’s mother which was read out by the court, she said that the family have watched the victim change since the offending.

Suggesting a life sentence, Advocate Hallam told the court that no child of such age should have to suffer so much trauma, and that they never want another child to live with that fear which carries into everyday life.

Advocate Adam Harrison, defending, said that Gardner should be jailed for between 16 and 18 years.

He said: “A substantial custodial sentence is inevitable.

“Thedefence asks the court to impose a very substantial determinate sentence, and exercises its discretion not to impose a life sentence in this case.”

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Carla Garnier, who led the investigation, said: “This was a deeply distressing case involving serious sexual offences committed against a young child.

“Throughout the investigation, our priority was not only to secure the best possible evidence, but also to ensure the victim and their family were supported through what has been an extremely difficult process.”

She thanked the intermediary service, the Law Officers’ Department, the Independent Sexual Violence Advisers, and Children’s Services, which helped to “ensure the victim was able to engage with the criminal justice process in a way that recognised their age and individual circumstances”.

“The courage shown by this young victim throughout the investigation and court proceedings has been remarkable, and we also acknowledge the strength and resilience of their family,” she added.

“Investigations involving the abuse of children are among the most challenging cases we encounter. Throughout this investigation, our team remained committed to securing the best possible evidence whilst ensuring the victim and their family were supported at every stage. I would like to thank the officers, specialist staff and partner agencies involved for their professionalism, compassion and dedication.”

Chief Inspector Mark Hafey said: “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of these offences and the lasting impact they have on victims and their families.

“Protecting children remains a priority for the States of Jersey Police, and we will continue to work closely with our safeguarding partners to support victims, safeguard children and pursue those responsible for these offences.”