ROBERT GRAY FROM LEICESTER BACK BEHIND BARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST CHILDREN

In July 2005, the criminal justice system in Leicester dealt a significant blow to a convicted sex offender, Robert Gray, as he was once again incarcerated following a disturbing new offense involving a young girl. Gray, a resident of Norfolk Street, located off Hinckley Road in Leicester, had previously served a decade-long sentence for serious sexual crimes against minors. Despite his prior conviction, he managed to reoffend shortly after his release, highlighting ongoing concerns about his dangerous behavior.

Gray’s criminal history is extensive and troubling. He had a pattern of befriending families considered vulnerable, often gaining their trust to access their children without supervision. This manipulative approach allowed him to carry out his predatory acts with relative ease. The latest incident involved a six-year-old girl, whom Gray targeted at her birthday party in October of the previous year. The court was told that Gray’s actions were premeditated and that he had carefully concealed his past to avoid detection.

According to court records, Gray’s manipulative tactics included ingratiating himself with the girl’s father after discovering he had a young daughter. Once trust was established, Gray exploited the situation, committing his offense within just a few months of being released on license from his previous 10-year sentence. That earlier sentence was handed down after Gray admitted to raping and seriously assaulting a 12-year-old girl. The severity of his past crimes was underscored by the fact that he had a long history of sexual offenses dating back to the 1980s.

Prosecutor Balraj Bhatia provided detailed testimony during the trial, revealing that Gray had confessed to police that the girl had enjoyed the sexual encounters and that she had often initiated the contact. Gray also admitted to indecently assaulting another 12-year-old girl, engaging in acts of gross indecency, and committing a serious sexual assault on a 12-year-old boy. These admissions painted a disturbing picture of a man with a long-standing pattern of abusing children and manipulating their families for his own gratification.

The latest case only came to light due to a vigilant police officer who observed Gray holding the hand of the young girl. The officer’s suspicion led to further investigation, which confirmed the abuse. Gray’s arrest and subsequent court appearance resulted in a conviction that reflected the gravity of his actions.

Judge Philip Head, presiding over the case, sentenced Gray to a lengthy prison term, emphasizing the ongoing threat he posed to children. In his remarks, the judge stated that Gray represented “a very real threat to young children” and criticized his lack of empathy and willpower to control his urges. As part of his sentence, Gray was also prohibited from having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16 and was ordered to stay at least 200 yards away from schools and play areas, measures designed to protect the community from further harm.