JERRY ALLEN RAIKES EXPOSED IN CHELTENHAM: CHILD SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED AFTER REPEATED OFFENSES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cheltenham, Jerry Allen, who has now adopted the surname Raikes, has been brought to justice for a series of heinous sexual offenses involving minors. The case, which has spanned over a decade, highlights the ongoing dangers posed by convicted sex offenders even after their release from prison.

Back in September 2018, Raikes, aged 50 and originally from Bisley, was sentenced to an additional 16 months behind bars after being found guilty of breaching a sexual harm prevention order on five separate occasions. The breaches occurred between August 19 of the previous year and July 9 of this year, during which he continued to make contact with children, often without the knowledge or supervision of their parents. The court heard that Raikes had repeatedly engaged with minors, sometimes in private settings, raising serious concerns about his ongoing risk to the community.

Raikes’ criminal history is extensive. He was previously sentenced in 2008 to 15 years in prison for five counts of raping a girl aged between 11 and 15. His earlier offenses came to light after his actions were exposed on social media, which led to his arrest and subsequent conviction. During the 2008 trial at Gloucester Crown Court, it was revealed that Raikes had met with the young girl on multiple occasions, sometimes with no one else present, and without her parents’ knowledge of his past. The court described him as a manipulative and dishonest individual, capable of exploiting trust for his own gratification.

In the 2008 case, Raikes was convicted of raping the girl over a period of several years, starting when she was just 11 years old. The abuse continued until she was 15. The court found DNA evidence linking him to the pregnancy of the girl, who was unable to be named publicly for legal reasons. The girl’s pregnancy was complicated by a molar pregnancy, a dangerous condition where the fetus fails to develop properly, which ultimately prevented a viable birth. Despite the gravity of his crimes, Raikes was sentenced to a total of 75 years, but due to the sentencing structure, he was expected to serve only about 8 years, with the possibility of early release in 2016.

Following his release from prison, Raikes sought to rebuild his life and became self-employed as a gardener in the Cheltenham area. However, his past actions continued to cast a shadow over his rehabilitation efforts. His recent breaches of the sexual harm prevention order prompted the court to impose further restrictions, including a new 16-month sentence, which was justified by his repeated violations and ongoing contact with minors.

During the sentencing, Judge Edward Burgess QC expressed skepticism about Raikes’ intentions, describing him as a dishonest and manipulative man. The judge emphasized the importance of protecting children from individuals like Raikes, who pose a significant risk even after serving time in prison. As part of his ongoing punishment, Raikes was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, and he is now barred from working with children or residing in households with minors. These measures are designed to prevent any further harm and to monitor his activities closely.

The case has garnered significant attention due to the lengthy legal process, forensic evidence, and the serious nature of the offenses. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for strict enforcement of restrictions on known sex offenders to safeguard vulnerable members of the community.