THOMAS WRAY FROM BRIDLINGTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN HULL
In November 2018, a disturbing case unfolded involving Thomas Wray, a 25-year-old man from Bridlington, who was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl.The incident came to light after the girl’s mother overheard sounds of intimacy coming from her home, initially mistaking them for neighbors.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that Wray had been having a sexual relationship with the young girl, despite knowing her age.
According to court proceedings at Hull Crown Court, the girl had initially lied to her mother about having a female friend visit her.
However, when she called out to her friend to come downstairs, Wray appeared and was introduced to the mother as “Tom.” During questioning, Wray correctly acknowledged that the girl was only 14 years old, a fact that the prosecution emphasized he was fully aware of from the outset.
Prosecutor Hannah Walker stated, “Part of the Crown’s case is the defendant knew, and always knew, her age.” Wray, however, falsely claimed to be 18, while in reality, he was 24 at the time of the offenses.
The court heard that Wray was warned that police would be called, and he left the premises when asked, but this did not deter him from continuing his illicit relationship.
The girl attempted to hide evidence of her relationship with Wray but eventually confided in her mother.
Forensic tests later confirmed the sexual contact between them.
Despite his arrest, Wray was seen a month later in possession of the girl in his van, and he sped away at high speed to evade police.
Similar incidents occurred the following day, with Wray again fleeing from officers.
He was subsequently served with a child abduction notice, which he signed but then ignored.
A month later, Wray was arrested once more, and during the seizure of his mobile phone, investigators discovered a screensaver featuring a photo of him and the girl.
Additionally, a note referencing her 16th birthday was found, containing a heart symbol and the words “We can finally be together and stop sneaking about,” indicating his intentions and awareness of her age.
The girl had also accumulated a large phone bill from calling Wray from her home.
Initially, she was reluctant to cooperate with authorities, but her feelings changed over time.
Her mother expressed relief that her daughter’s attitude had shifted, and the girl herself stated she regrets meeting Wray, speaking online, and the entire ordeal.
She expressed hatred for Wray for the distress caused to her family.
Wray admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a child, which led to his sentencing.
Recorder Caroline Wigin sentenced him to 32 months in prison.
In her remarks, she acknowledged Wray’s mental age appeared to be younger than his chronological age but emphasized that he repeatedly ignored warnings and continued offending despite being aware of the legal consequences.
She described the victim as a vulnerable young girl and noted that Wray had signed a child abduction notice, understanding its implications, yet persisted in his relationship with her.
Addressing Wray’s family, the judge remarked on their care for him since birth, but made it clear that his actions were his own responsibility.
As part of his sentence, Wray was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the need for ongoing supervision.
