GARY MORRIS FROM BRIGHTON CAUGHT TRYING TO LURE 14-YEAR-OLD BOY TO SUNDERLAND HOME FOR SEXUAL ACTIVITY
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Gary Morris, a married man residing in Brighton, was involved in an attempt to lure a minor for sexual purposes during a visit to Sunderland.The incident, which took place in December 2016, involved Morris inviting a 14-year-old boy, known by the alias 'Tom', to his parents' residence with the apparent intent of engaging in sexual activity.
According to court proceedings, Morris, who had traveled from Brighton to Sunderland for a post-Christmas visit, made contact with 'Tom' through the Grindr dating app.
The conversation, which was later revealed to be part of an undercover operation by Guardians of the North—an organization that sets up fake online profiles to expose adults seeking illegal contact with minors—was intended to culminate in Morris meeting the boy at his parents' house in the early hours of the morning.
On the night in question, Morris, who qualified as a commercial airline pilot over 20 years ago, was staying with his elderly parents in Sunderland.
He had traveled in his black Audi convertible, accompanied by his four-month-old puppy.
After spending the day in the city, including a visit to a local pub where he consumed approximately eight pints between 3 pm and 11 pm, Morris was driven back to his parents' home by his father.
While in the spare room of his parents' house, Morris engaged in online conversations with 'Tom' and other men, browsing Facebook and playing the game 'Words with Friends'.
During the trial, Morris claimed that he had used Grindr for about six years, primarily for sexual gratification, and that he would frequently delete and reinstall the app to prevent his husband from discovering it.
He insisted that his interactions were purely 'fantasy' and that he had no real intention of meeting anyone.
However, the prosecution presented evidence contradicting Morris's claims.
Prosecutor Michael Bunch emphasized that Morris was not merely seeking a fantasy but was actively pursuing actual sexual contact with 'Tom'.
The court was told that Morris had missed the message where 'Tom' disclosed his age as 14, which he attributed to being distracted by other online activities.
During the trial, Morris denied attempting to meet a child for sexual grooming, asserting that he was 'distracted' and that the conversation was not serious.
Nevertheless, after deliberation, the jury found him guilty of attempting to meet a minor for sexual activity.
Judge Edward Bindloss sentenced Morris to 12 months in prison, suspended for a year, with additional requirements for rehabilitation and a ten-year registration on the sex offenders register.
The judge acknowledged that Morris is considered a 'low risk' to children and suggested that his actions might have been influenced by intoxication at the time.
The judge also noted the significant consequences Morris faced, including losing his prestigious job with British Airways, which he described as a substantial punishment.
Judge Bindloss remarked that, given Morris's previously clean record and positive references describing him as 'responsible, sociable, kind, caring, hardworking, and a good friend,' he was confident Morris would avoid further trouble.
The court also noted that it is unlikely Morris would be re-employed by British Airways following this incident.
Defense lawyer John Dye characterized the incident as a 'moment of madness' and emphasized that Morris had taken time to reflect on his actions.
The court was informed that Morris was in Sunderland on December 28, 2016, and had visited a local pub before returning to his parents' house.
He admitted to using Grindr and other online platforms for sexual gratification but maintained that he never intended to meet anyone in person, claiming he was distracted when 'Tom' revealed his age.
As the case concludes, the community remains vigilant about safeguarding minors and the importance of online safety, especially in cases involving individuals with previously unblemished records like Gary Morris from Brighton.
