GARY LANE, KIDINGTON PAEDOPHILE, SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN OXFORDSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community of Kidlington and the surrounding areas, former scout leader Gary Lane, aged 52, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offences involving two young boys. The crimes took place over a span of nearly a year, from January to November 2015, and have left a lasting impact on the victims and their families.

Gary Lane, who resided on Fairfax Road in Kidlington, was found guilty of multiple counts related to child sexual abuse. These included two counts of raping a boy under the age of 13, one count of sexually assaulting a child under 13, and another of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The offences were committed against two boys who, notably, were not members of any scout group at the time, which underscores the disturbing nature of Lane's predatory behavior.

Oxford Crown Court heard the case, and Judge Patrick Eccles delivered a stern sentence, describing Lane as an “unscrupulous paedophile” who exhibited a “depraved course of conduct.” The judge emphasized the lack of remorse shown by Lane, highlighting that there was something fundamentally wrong with his sexual thinking. During the sentencing, Judge Eccles made it clear that Lane’s actions were not only morally reprehensible but also indicative of a serious breach of trust and innocence.

Prior to the sentencing, Lane had admitted to the charges, which included two counts of raping a child under 13, sexually assaulting a child under 13, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The offences were committed over a period from January 1, 2015, to November 30, 2015. Lane was initially charged at Banbury Police Station on July 27 of the previous year, after failing to appear in court twice in 2016 and fleeing to Scotland at one point, causing additional distress for the victims and their families.

Following his conviction, police officials expressed their satisfaction with the outcome. Specialist Investigator Rhys Bevan from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit stated, “What Lane has put the victims and their families and loved-ones through is horrendous. I am very pleased with the outcome; finally Lane is where he belongs. Hopefully the victims can now try to move forward with their lives.” Bevan also acknowledged the difficulties caused by Lane’s repeated absences from court, which included fleeing to Scotland, a move that added unnecessary stress for everyone involved. He praised the assistance of Police Scotland in helping to bring Lane to justice.

Lane’s remand in custody is now in place, and he is scheduled to be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on February 10. The case has once again highlighted the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from predators operating within communities like Kidlington and across Oxfordshire. The community and authorities alike hope that this conviction will serve as a warning and a step toward healing for the victims involved.