CLIVE GAY SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR ABUSE IN SOUTH OXHEY

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of South Oxhey, Clive Gay, a man aged 45, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of heinous sex offences involving a baby girl. The offences came to light following a police raid on Gay’s residence in April of the previous year, during which officers uncovered a trove of highly disturbing material on his computer.

Gay’s home, located on Leven Close in South Oxhey, became the focus of a criminal investigation after authorities found hundreds of graphic images and video clips depicting child abuse. The material included both still photographs and movies, some with audio, featuring babies and toddlers in sexually explicit situations. Among the evidence was a set of photographs taken with Gay’s own camera, showing a baby being sexually assaulted. The police’s discovery was so distressing that some officers involved in cataloging the evidence required counselling to cope with the graphic content.

During the court proceedings at St Albans Crown Court, Judge Andrew Bright QC addressed the severity of the crimes, emphasizing the impact of the material found. He stated, “This material is so graphic and so horrible that I understand some of the police officers who had to watch and catalogue the material needed to have counselling afterwards.”

Further investigation led officers to identify the family of the young victim. When informed of the abuse, the family was reportedly shocked and devastated, having previously trusted Gay as a friend and caregiver. Gay had been entrusted with looking after the child on multiple occasions, a breach of trust that the judge described as one of the most shocking aspects of the case. The court heard that Gay had pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of assault on a child under 13, one count of sexual assault on a child under 13, and taking indecent photographs of a child. He also admitted to possessing indecent images, making indecent photographs, and possessing extreme pornographic material.

In total, Gay faced eleven counts of making indecent images, two counts of possessing indecent images, and one count of possessing 38 extreme pornographic images. A pre-sentence report highlighted that Gay posed a “high risk of serious harm to children,” a conclusion the judge found difficult to dispute given the evidence presented.

Defense attorney Carle Woolfe acknowledged Gay’s need for substantial help to address his troubling thoughts and feelings towards children. Woolfe expressed remorse on Gay’s behalf, stating, “He wishes to express his remorse and disgust as to how he has behaved and the hurt and upset he has caused.”

Ultimately, Judge Bright sentenced Gay to an extended prison term of 14 years. The sentence comprises ten and a half years of actual imprisonment, followed by a three and a half-year period on license. Additionally, Gay’s name has been added to the sex offenders register, and he has been subject to a sexual offences prevention order to restrict his future activities.

Commenting on the case, Detective Constable Emma O’Keeffe from the Child Online Safeguarding Team (COST) remarked, “This sentence fully reflects the seriousness of the offences committed by Clive Gay. I would like to thank the victim’s family for showing extreme courage throughout the case, and I hope that the fact he will be in prison for some considerable time will offer them some measure of comfort.”