GRAEME OVERMASS FROM SELHURST INVOLVED IN HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE NEAR LEATHERHEAD

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Graeme Overmass, aged 21 and residing in Prince Road, Selhurst, was implicated in a series of heinous crimes involving the grooming and sexual abuse of young boys. The case unfolded with allegations that Overmass was part of a broader network of sexual misconduct, which included a notorious paedophile, Anthony Bridger, aged 52, who was sentenced to an astonishing 238 years in prison at the Old Bailey in January for abusing 13 boys.

The court heard that Overmass and Bridger collaborated in their criminal activities, with Overmass turning himself in along with Bridger after a series of offences. The investigation revealed that Bridger, an air traffic controller, would invite young boys to his home located on Keswick Road in Fetcham, near Leatherhead, ostensibly for minor chores. However, these visits were laced with sinister intent, as Bridger and Overmass would often serve alcohol and cannabis to their young victims, further entrenching their manipulative tactics.

Police raids on Bridger’s residence uncovered a disturbing cache of over 800 indecent images of boys, all downloaded from the internet, highlighting the extent of his depravity. Bridger, who openly admitted to being a paedophile, confessed that he would have continued his criminal pursuits had he not been betrayed by Overmass, who reported him to the authorities. Prosecutor Susan Tapping emphasized that it was Overmass’s decision to go to the police that ultimately led to Bridger’s arrest and subsequent conviction.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Overmass had been receiving counselling from a woman based in Redhill, Surrey. Over the course of their relationship, she became close to him and his family, eventually acting as a surrogate mother figure. The court was informed that Overmass was scheduled to face trial on multiple charges, including buggery, rape, indecent assault, and drug-related offences—all concerning the same young boy. However, the prosecution decided to drop these charges after the complainant chose not to testify, despite Overmass’s prior admissions of indecent assault against the boy and four others, as well as supplying cannabis to two of the victims. The offences spanned from July 26, 1994, to September 30, 1998.

At the time of the hearing, Overmass was granted bail under strict conditions that prohibited him from approaching any boys under 16. The woman who had been counselling him appeared in court to request a modification of the bail conditions, seeking permission for Overmass to see her two young children under her supervision. She testified that she had never had any concerns about Overmass being in contact with her children. Moved by her plea, Judge Richard Hawkins, QC, granted the request, but issued a stern warning that this decision should not be interpreted as a sign of leniency in his ultimate sentencing.

The case has been scheduled for sentencing on September 24, where pre-sentence reports will be considered. The community awaits the court’s final judgment on the extent of Overmass’s crimes and the appropriate punishment for his actions.