EDWIN REAY LOWESTOFT SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRL IN SUFFOLK

In a case that has shocked the community of Lowestoft, Suffolk, Edwin Reay, a 74-year-old man, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for the sexual abuse of a young girl over a period of two years. The sentencing took place at Ipswich Crown Court, where Judge John Devaux delivered a stern judgment, emphasizing the severity of Reay’s actions.

Judge Devaux revealed that Reay had committed these heinous acts when the victim was under the age of 13, and at the time, Reay was approximately 69 or 70 years old. The court heard that the young girl had believed that she was somehow responsible for what had happened to her, a misconception that was compounded by her fear of telling her parents. She was afraid they would reprimand her for allowing Reay to carry out these acts, which added emotional trauma to her physical abuse.

The judge condemned Reay for the repeated abuse, stating, “You took a huge risk with that girl’s emotional well-being in the repeated abuse you inflicted on her.” Despite having no prior criminal record and an otherwise excellent work history, Reay was found guilty after a jury trial in April. He faced multiple charges, including oral rape, three counts of sexual assault on a child, three counts of assault by penetration, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Reay, who resides on Links Close in Lowestoft, had initially denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial. The case came to light after the victim wrote a letter to her parents detailing what Reay had done during visits to his home. The court was told that Reay had told the girl he would buy her something nice if she complied with his requests, a manipulation tactic used to coerce her into silence.

Following his arrest, Reay continued to deny any inappropriate or sexual conduct, asserting that no such acts had taken place. His defense lawyer, Andrew Thompson, highlighted that Reay had no previous convictions and was assessed as being at low risk of re-offending. The lawyer also pointed out that Reay was in poor health with limited mobility and that his wife was standing by his side, expressing concern about the impact of imprisonment on their family.

During the sentencing hearing, Reay was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of his crimes and the need to protect the community from potential future offenses. The case underscores the devastating impact of abuse on young victims and the importance of justice in holding offenders accountable.