ROBERT GRAY SENTENCED IN DEVIZES FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In September 2008, a serious criminal case unfolded in Devizes involving Robert Gray, a 47-year-old man who was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a minor. Gray was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison after he was found guilty of attempting to have sex with a 14-year-old girl, who was the daughter of a family friend. The incident took place in Gray's flat located in the heart of Devizes town centre, an area well known to local residents.

According to court proceedings, Gray had been drinking alcohol on the day of the offence. He met the young girl at his residence, and what began as a casual visit quickly escalated into a serious criminal act. The girl, who was described as vulnerable due to her troubled home life, had initially contacted Gray by phone around teatime on Friday, May 2. Following this call, she decided to visit his flat, which was not unusual as she had been there before. However, this particular visit marked the first time that sexual activity occurred between them.

Prosecutor Rachel Marshall detailed the disturbing events, stating that Gray not only attempted to have sexual intercourse with the girl but also engaged in other sexual acts. She explained that Gray performed a sex act on her, licked and bit her breasts, and then put on a condom in an attempt to have penetrative sex, which was ultimately unsuccessful. The girl left Gray’s flat afterward and was given some money by him as she departed. During police questioning, she described her feelings about the incident as “sick and dirty,” highlighting the emotional trauma inflicted upon her.

Gray was arrested shortly after the incident and did not deny his actions. He admitted to the police that he had been drinking and that, in his intoxicated state, the events unfolded without premeditation. He pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of attempted penetrative sexual activity with a child. His defense lawyer, Alex Daymond, argued that Gray believed the encounter was consensual and emphasized that there was no evidence of grooming or premeditation. He described the incident as a one-off mistake and urged the court to consider a suspended sentence, allowing Gray to undergo a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program.

However, Judge John McNaught was clear in his judgment. He acknowledged Gray’s full admissions and guilty plea, which mitigated the severity of the sentence. Nonetheless, the judge emphasized that the act was inappropriate and unacceptable, especially given the age and vulnerability of the girl. He pointed out that Gray, being in his mid-forties, should have been fully aware of the girl’s difficulties and the inappropriateness of his actions. The judge stated that Gray’s intoxication did not excuse his behavior and that imprisonment was necessary to serve justice.

Consequently, Gray was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring to protect the community. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors and the consequences faced by those who violate their trust in the Devizes area.