Girl’s Rapist to Be Freed in 3 1/2 Years

A FORMER soldier locked up for raping one schoolgirl and sexually assaulting two others could be released in three-and-a-half years.

Sheffield Crown Court heard 59-year-old William Cargill lured the young girls to his home by offering to sell them cigarettes.

He befriended one 13-year-old girl before plying her with alcohol and taking her to the bedroom of his home in Barnsley, where he raped her.

Cargill, who served three tours of Northern Ireland during his time in the Army, also assaulted two schoolgirls, aged 13 and 15.

He denied the attacks at his home in Grays Road, Carlton, but was found guilty of rape and nine counts of indecent assault after a trial. A jury cleared him of indecent assault against a fourth youngster.

His defence said the offences happened last year when Cargill was unemployed and suffering from ill health, following the death of his wife.

Judge John Swanson said: “You were becoming increasingly sexually attracted towards girls and, on one occasion, committed the most serious offence of all.

“You supplied drink to get her drunk and were determined to take advantage of her that night and you eventually found yourself in the bedroom with this girl. This is a very serious offence.”

After hearing pleas for leniency, due to ill-health, Judge Swanson sentenced him to a total of seven years, half of which will be served in prison and the second half on licence.

Cargill has also been placed on the sex offenders’ register for his life.

After the case, Det Con Eddie Mackenzie, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “I think the result of this case is appropriate.”

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