GARY WYNN'S SHOCKING CRIME IN DURHAM: SEX OFFENDER TARGETS SCHOOLGIRL ON BUS

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community of Durham, a known sex offender, Gary Wynn, was involved in an appalling act of sexual assault against a young schoolgirl. The incident took place on December 11 at approximately 4:10 pm, as the girl was returning home from school with a friend on a local bus. Wynn, aged 49 and with a history of previous sexual offences, boarded the bus and deliberately chose to ignore the numerous empty seats available, instead making his way to the rear of the vehicle where the girl and her friend were seated.

According to court reports, Wynn engaged the girl in conversation while consuming a can of beer, which he was drinking at the time. As the conversation progressed, he placed his hand on the inside of her right thigh in a deliberate and inappropriate manner. The incident was captured on the bus’s CCTV footage, which clearly showed Wynn leaning towards the girl with his hand moving in her direction, indicating a predatory intent.

The girl, visibly distressed and upset by Wynn’s actions, moved away from him towards the front of the bus along with her friend. Her friend, noticing her distress, alerted the bus driver to the situation. The driver responded swiftly by contacting the police to report the incident. Meanwhile, Wynn disembarked from the bus at the next stop and was observed urinating in public outside the vehicle.

Following his departure, police officers arrested Wynn. During his police interview, Wynn claimed that he had been drinking and could not recall touching the girl, asserting that he did not believe he had done so. However, the evidence against him was overwhelming, and at a plea hearing held last month, Wynn, who has no fixed address, admitted to a charge of sexual assault.

A victim statement was read aloud in court, revealing the emotional impact of the assault on the young girl. She expressed initial feelings of anger and later unhappiness when Wynn touched her. She also shared her fears about potentially having to testify in court, but felt some relief when Wynn pleaded guilty. Despite this, she admitted to feeling wary of men and even male teachers at her school, which led her to avoid traveling alone on buses. Over time, she reported feeling somewhat more confident, especially knowing Wynn was in custody. She also expressed gratitude towards her friend and the bus driver, who acted promptly and helped her during the distressing incident.

Wynn’s criminal record is extensive, including previous convictions for sexual assault. Most recently, in April 2023, he received a 16-month prison sentence for a similar offence involving a vulnerable female with learning difficulties on a bus. He was also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) following an exposure offence in 2021.

Representing Wynn, solicitor Jonny Walker acknowledged that there was little mitigation to offer. He emphasized Wynn’s genuine remorse and his insight into the gravity of his actions, noting that Wynn had taken steps to engage with drug and alcohol services, as well as educational and rehabilitative programs, while in custody. Walker stated that Wynn wished to apologize through him and recognized that his conduct was degrading and humiliating for the victim.

Judge Advocate Tom Mitchell addressed Wynn directly, highlighting his extensive criminal history, which includes 16 convictions for 26 offences, some of which involved breaching SHPOs and possession of a knife. The judge described Wynn’s behaviour as predatory and targeted, especially considering his intoxicated state during the offence. The judge expressed concern about Wynn’s high risk of causing serious harm to the public, particularly children, and emphasized the importance of community safety.

He praised the quick response of the girl’s friend and the bus driver, which prevented further harm. The judge condemned Wynn’s actions as degrading and humiliating, especially given the girl’s vulnerable circumstances. Given the severity of the offence and Wynn’s record, the court imposed an 18-month prison sentence, with no suspension. The judge also extended Wynn’s SHPO to ten years and mandated that he register as a sex offender for the same period, including notification requirements to ensure ongoing monitoring and public safety.