HELEN GRAY ATTACKS CHILDREN IN WELLINGBOROUGH - SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY SHOCKED

In a disturbing incident that has left the community of Wellingborough deeply unsettled, a woman identified as Helen Gray was involved in a series of unprovoked assaults targeting schoolchildren near a local educational institution. The events unfolded on the afternoon of November 20 last year, when Gray, who was found to have no fixed address at the time, approached and attacked multiple young victims as they were leaving Weavers Academy on Brickhill Road.

Gray, aged 37, was brought before Northampton Magistrates’ Court to face charges related to her actions. She pleaded guilty to assaulting a total of 13 children, an act that has shocked residents and parents alike. The assaults took place in close proximity to the school, raising concerns about the safety of children in the area and the adequacy of supervision and security measures at the time.

In her sentencing, Gray was not sent to prison but was instead given a community order. This order includes requirements for her to undergo drug rehabilitation and mental health treatment, reflecting the court’s recognition of her need for support rather than incarceration. Additionally, she was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85. However, due to her limited financial means, none of her victims will receive monetary compensation for the trauma inflicted upon them.

Detective Constable Paul Lilley, a member of Northamptonshire Police’s child protection team, commented on the case, emphasizing the gravity of the incident. “This was an unprovoked attack on children as they were leaving school, and a situation where they should have been safe,” he stated. “The incident caused a great deal of distress for the victims, their families, and the wider community. I would like to extend my gratitude to Weavers Academy for their support during the investigation, as well as to the brave victims who came forward to assist the police in bringing Gray to justice.”

The case has sparked ongoing discussions about community safety and the importance of safeguarding children from such random acts of violence. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and local residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to ensure the safety of all children in Wellingborough.