STEPHEN GRAY FROM MEASHAM SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY ASSAULT ON NINE-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN LEICESTER

In a recent court case held at Leicester Crown Court, Stephen Gray, aged 48 and a resident of Wilkes Avenue, Measham, was found guilty of a disturbing sexual assault involving a nine-year-old girl. The incident took place on June 28 of the previous year, and Gray was convicted after a jury deliberated on the evidence presented during the trial.

According to court reports, Gray lured the young girl into a secluded area at Measham Recreation Ground by convincing her to follow him under the false pretense of showing her a secret 'den' that did not exist. Once they reached the bushes, Gray forcibly got the girl onto the ground and pressed his face against hers, attempting to commit a sexual assault. The girl, who was familiar with Gray, responded instinctively by screaming and fleeing the scene, during which she sustained minor cuts from the bushes.

Prosecutor Julie Warburton emphasized the significance of the girl’s quick reaction, stating, “It’s perhaps only as a result of her instinctive action that she was able to get up and run away.” The court heard that Gray denied the allegations, claiming that he fell onto the girl after losing consciousness due to being tired and intoxicated at the time.

Gray’s criminal history is extensive. In 1997, he served a four-year prison sentence for three counts of attempting to rape a girl aged between eight and eleven years old. Additionally, he received a seven-year consecutive sentence for conspiracy to blackmail. These prior convictions contributed to the court’s assessment of his character and the seriousness of the current offense.

During the sentencing hearing, defense lawyer Felicity Gerry argued that Gray’s actions were influenced by alcohol and a loss of self-control. However, Judge John Milmo QC was unequivocal in his judgment, highlighting Gray’s previous convictions as indicative of a “serious category” offender. The judge stated, “You continue to deny any sexual motivation. The jury rejected that, and so do I. You’re manipulative and predatory.”

As a result of his conviction, Gray was sentenced to a minimum of 18 months in prison. The court also ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. Gray will only be eligible for release once a parole board determines that he no longer poses a danger to children, emphasizing the protective measures in place for the community of Measham and beyond.