GARY GRAHAM FROM STOCKTON SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC ABUSE OF BOY

In a case that has shocked the community of Stockton, a man named Gary Graham has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for inflicting severe physical and sexual abuse on a young boy. The heinous acts, which took place years ago, were only brought to light after the victim, who remains unnamed for legal reasons, finally disclosed his suffering more than ten years later.

Gary Graham, aged 46 and residing on Wrensfield Road in Stockton, was found guilty by a jury at Teesside Crown Court after a thorough trial. Despite the guilty verdicts, Graham continues to deny any involvement in the crimes, showing no remorse for his actions. The judge presiding over the case, Tony Briggs, described the story as “quite appalling and hideous,” emphasizing the brutality and sadistic nature of the abuse.

Judge Briggs stated, “It was done, as far as I can see, for your sadistic pleasure and satisfaction,” addressing Graham directly. The court heard disturbing details of the abuse, which included Graham beating the soles of the boy’s feet with a metal bar, holding him over a staircase while threatening to drop him, and tying his hands behind his back. To silence the boy, Graham reportedly placed socks or a scourer into his mouth, blindfolded him, and subjected him to sexual assault.

The victim, who was a vulnerable child at the time, chose not to speak out immediately. It was only after many years that he confided in authorities, revealing the extent of the trauma he endured. Prosecutor Yvonne Taylor explained that the boy’s silence lasted for over a decade before he finally disclosed the abuse.

During the trial, Graham denied all allegations, claiming he had never committed any of the acts. He rejected two charges of indecent assault—now classified as rape—and two counts of child cruelty. However, the jury found him guilty on all counts, leading to his current sentence. As part of his punishment, Graham has been issued a sexual offences prevention order and will remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Graham’s defense lawyer, Robin Denny, stated, “This defendant vigorously maintains his innocence to all of these charges. He appreciates that he is bound to have a prison sentence.” Denny also noted that Graham, who has no previous convictions related to similar offenses, has not offended against anyone else since the incidents.

Nevertheless, a probation officer assessed Graham as a high risk to others, indicating ongoing concerns about his potential for reoffending. The family of the victim issued a statement expressing relief and a sense of justice being served. They said, “This case proves that justice can be done, even after many years. This has been a long time coming but we can finally get on with our lives.”

They also expressed hope that Graham would never be able to harm another child and called for other victims to come forward. The family extended their gratitude to the detectives and the Crown Prosecution Service for their diligent work and support throughout the lengthy legal process, reaffirming their desire for justice and closure.