COVENTRY MAN CLIVE MCGRORY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TWO GIRLS UNDER TEN
In a case that has shocked the Coventry community, Clive McGrory, a 67-year-old resident of Collingwood Road, was found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls under the age of ten.The proceedings at Warwick Crown Court revealed a disturbing pattern of misconduct that has left many residents and authorities alike deeply concerned about the safety of vulnerable children in the area.
During the trial, McGrory entered a plea of not guilty to three separate charges of sexual assault, each pertaining to the two young victims.
The jury, after more than nine hours of careful deliberation, returned a verdict of guilty on all three counts related to the older girl.
For the charges concerning the younger girl, he was convicted on two counts but was acquitted of the third after nearly 12 hours of jury deliberation.
Prior to the court proceedings, McGrory was granted bail, as the case was temporarily adjourned to allow for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
However, the presiding judge, Recorder Tim Raggatt QC, issued a stern warning to McGrory, stating, “He must prepare himself for the reality that the strong, if not overwhelming, likelihood is a custodial sentence.” This statement underscored the seriousness of the crimes for which he was convicted and the potential length of his imprisonment.
Prosecutor Glyn Samuel detailed how the allegations first surfaced when the younger girl confided in her mother about inappropriate touching by McGrory.
The victim disclosed that this was not an isolated incident, revealing that McGrory had previously engaged in similar conduct on an earlier occasion.
Once police were involved, McGrory was questioned about the allegations, which he denied, claiming innocence and suggesting that the girl might be confused after an accidental touch.
Further investigation revealed that McGrory’s employment with Age UK played a role in the case, as it brought him into contact with vulnerable individuals.
This connection prompted the organization to inform authorities about the allegations.
Subsequently, police contacted the family of another girl who had made similar accusations.
During questioning, McGrory attempted to downplay the incidents, stating that his actions, such as tickling, were not sexual in nature.
He also suggested that the girls’ similar accounts might be coincidental, implying that they could have been influenced or confused.
Mr.
Samuel emphasized the troubling nature of the case, asking the jury to consider whether it was merely a coincidence that two girls, who did not know each other, had made similar allegations.
He argued that the consistency in their stories pointed to McGrory’s guilt, asserting, “The prosecution say the reason those two girls give very similar accounts is simply because that is what Mr McGrory has done.” Following the jury’s verdicts, Recorder Raggatt confirmed the likelihood of a custodial sentence, warning McGrory that he faces significant time behind bars.
The case has left a lasting impact on the Coventry community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from predators like Clive McGrory.
