COLIN GRAY AND JAMES HARDAKER SENTENCED IN AINTREE AND BRIGHTON FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG BOYS

In a case that has shocked the communities of Aintree, Brighton, Litherland, and Netherton, two men have been sentenced to seven years in prison for their involvement in the sexual abuse of young boys over a period of five years. The offenders, Colin Gray, aged 62, and James Hardaker, aged 54, were found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences, including attempted rape and indecent assault, committed against four boys, some as young as 10 years old.

Colin Gray, a former boxing coach who previously worked at two amateur boxing clubs in Merseyside, notably the Princess Royal club in Aintree and the ABC club in Litherland, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to eight counts of sexual misconduct. The court was told that Gray used his position of authority to exploit vulnerable boys, often luring them to his residence in St Oswald’s Lane, Netherton, where he would invite them to stay overnight. Prosecutor Stuart Driver revealed that Gray would frequently administer alcohol and prescription drugs to his young victims before subjecting them to abuse.

The court heard that Gray’s home was a frequent meeting place for the abuse, and that he often invited boys from the local area, including those from Netherton, to his flat. During the proceedings, it was disclosed that Gray’s accomplice, James Hardaker, who resides on Upper St James’s Street in Brighton, East Sussex, was often present at Gray’s home. Hardaker was involved in the abuse and was recorded on video during boxing sessions at the gym, where he and Gray would film young boxers sparring. Evidence was presented that on one occasion, Gray and Hardaker indecently assaulted a 15-year-old boy in Gray’s flat. The teenager had been given a bowl of ice cream, which was allegedly spiked with a tablet, leading to the assault.

Furthermore, the court learned that both Gray and Hardaker committed a serious sexual offence against another boy aged 14. The victims expressed profound feelings of shame and embarrassment, with one victim revealing that he struggles to think about the incidents and broke down crying when discussing it with his girlfriend. The court also heard that Hardaker had previous convictions for indecent assault on boys, whereas Gray’s criminal record included a conviction for shoplifting several years prior.

Judge John Roberts sentenced both men to seven years in prison. In addition to their custodial sentences, Gray and Hardaker were ordered to register as sex offenders and were disqualified from working with children indefinitely. The case has left a lasting impact on the affected communities, highlighting the dangers posed by individuals abusing positions of trust and authority to exploit vulnerable young boys.