MAX GREGORY AND SHOCKING RAPE IN YORKSHIRE
A young man from Yorkshire has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of raping a woman who repeatedly told him to stop.Max Liam Gregory, aged 21, showed no visible remorse as the victim recounted the profound and lasting trauma she experienced as a result of his actions in York Crown Court.
During the trial, the woman detailed how Gregory’s assault left her feeling as though she was sinking into a never-ending abyss, describing her subsequent struggles with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and recurring panic attacks that persisted for more than a year.
She explained to the jury that during the assault, she had desperately tried to push Gregory away and had repeatedly told him that she did not consent.
Despite her protests, Gregory dismissed her objections, stating phrases like "just two minutes, it's fine" and "just 30 seconds, come on," as he continued his attack.
Gregory, in his defense, attempted to portray himself as caring, claiming to the jury that he had visited the victim regularly at his home in Escrick Court, Escrick, in July 2015, in the week following the alleged assault.
However, the court was told that his visits appeared to serve a different purpose—to try to prevent her from reporting him to the authorities.
The judge, Recorder David Dixon, remarked that Gregory’s visits were likely motivated by an effort to dissuade the victim from speaking out.
It was revealed during the trial that the victim decided to come forward only after Gregory went on holiday with his girlfriend.
The court heard that the prosecuting authorities ultimately presented compelling evidence, leading to Gregory’s conviction by an unanimous jury after just over two hours of deliberation.
At the sentencing, the judge emphasized the severity of Gregory’s actions, referencing the victim’s statement read aloud in court with evident emotional strain.
In her statement, she described her descent into despair following the assault, stating, "I then started to go into a bottomless pit.
I started to get anxiety attacks.
I still do." The woman disclosed that she had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, suffering from flashbacks, nightmares, and waking in cold sweats.
Her mental health deteriorated to the extent that she contemplated isolation and, ultimately, attempted to plan her own suicide on December 8.
The victim explained that she had prepared everything for her death but managed to seek help after seeing her doctor, who referred her to a specialist home treatment team.
Since then, the support workers have continued to visit her daily, providing crucial assistance.
She shared her ongoing anguish, stating, "I think about it [the rape] every day.
I don't want to think about it anymore." The judge praised the victim for her bravery in reading her impact statement in court despite her evident emotional distress.
Gregory’s legal representative, Geraldine Kelly, argued that the woman’s mental health issues might not have been entirely caused by the defendant’s actions.
She highlighted that Gregory had no prior police record and had committed no offences since the incident.
The defendant’s family and girlfriend attended the hearing to support him.
In the end, Gregory was sentenced to five years in prison, placed on the sex offenders register for life, and subjected to a lifelong restraining order preventing any contact with the victim.
This case underscores the importance of respecting boundaries and the profound, lasting impact that violations can have on victims.
