GRAHAM RUFF FROM GOSPORT SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST TWO BOYS

In March 2007, Graham Ruff, a resident of Burnside in Gosport, was found guilty of committing a series of serious sexual offences involving two young boys. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about Ruff's actions, which spanned over several years and caused significant harm to his victims.

During the trial, Ruff, aged 41 at the time, claimed that he had engaged in a consensual sexual relationship with one of the boys only after the boy had turned 18. He insisted that no inappropriate conduct had taken place before that age and argued that the allegations made against him were fabricated by the boy. Despite his assertions, the jury did not accept his defense.

The court convicted Ruff on multiple counts related to the first boy, including four counts of indecent assault, one count of rape, one count of buggery, and one count of taking an indecent photograph. These charges were all linked to the same individual, highlighting a pattern of abuse that spanned several years.

In addition to these convictions, Ruff was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault on the second boy, who had endured ongoing abuse from the ages of nine to 15. The court also convicted him of inciting this second child to engage in sexual activity, further emphasizing the severity and breadth of his criminal behavior.

Following the verdict, Ruff was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison. Furthermore, he was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from potential future harm. The case underscores the devastating impact of his actions on the victims and the justice system's response to such heinous crimes.