VINCENT RAY FROM ROWLANDS GILL CAUGHT TRYING TO GROOM UNDERAGE GIRLS ONLINE IN DURHAM

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming, Vincent Ray, a 43-year-old man from Rowlands Gill, was found to have attempted to engage in sexual conversations with what he believed were two underage girls. Unbeknownst to him, both of these profiles were actually decoys operated by the Child Online Safety Team, a group dedicated to catching predators and protecting children from exploitation.

The incident dates back to May 25 of the previous year, when Ray initiated contact with what he thought was a 14-year-old girl. The Durham Crown Court was informed that Ray believed he was communicating with a minor, and he proceeded to engage in increasingly inappropriate discussions. During the exchanges, he asked about her height, whether she had a boyfriend, and if she was a virgin. His questions quickly turned sexual, as he inquired about her body and her breasts. After three days of messaging, Ray even requested that she stand in front of a mirror so she could send him a photograph of herself.

At this point, the decoy, acting as the girl, handed the chat over to the team leader, who then approached Ray and involved the police. A subsequent analysis of his phone revealed that at the same time he was communicating with another decoy, also posing as a 14-year-old girl. In both conversations, Ray’s messages eventually shifted to sexual topics, indicating his intent to pursue a sexual relationship with minors.

When Ray was cautioned and charged, he admitted to the police that he had made the biggest mistake of his life. He expressed remorse for his actions, which he committed during a brief period in May. Ray, who lives on Burnopfield Road in Rowlands Gill, acknowledged his wrongdoing and pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

His legal counsel, Vic Laffey, emphasized Ray’s previously good character and noted that the offending messages were limited to that short timeframe. Laffey also pointed out that Ray has lost his job and some family members have disowned him as a consequence of his actions. Despite this, the Probation Service considers him to be a low risk and believes that with proper support, he can address his behavior.

Judge Ray Singh addressed Ray directly, stating that he had shown an unhealthy interest in young children, not realizing they were not real. As a result, Ray was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, he is required to participate in 40 rehabilitation activity days overseen by the Probation Service. He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must register as a sex offender for the next ten years, along with ongoing notification obligations.