JOHN GRAY FROM STANLEY SHOCKS PERTHSHIRE WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND SECRET LIFE AS SEX OFFENDER

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Perthshire, John Gray, a resident of Stanley, was exposed as a sex offender involved in the possession and distribution of illegal images of children. The revelations came to light after police conducted a raid on his family home, uncovering evidence of his illicit activities and online conversations that detailed his disturbing interests.

Gray’s wife, Lisa Gray, aged 35, testified during the trial at Perth Sheriff Court, revealing that she was unaware of her husband's dark secret until the police arrived. She explained that she and John Gray had entered into their marriage after meeting through her workplace, and they tied the knot on October 22, 2016. However, their union was tragically short-lived, lasting less than two weeks before Gray’s arrest on November 3, 2016. Lisa Gray stated, “We got married on October 22, 2016. He was arrested on November 3, and from then on he has never returned to the property. The marriage is over. It lasted a week and a half or possibly two weeks. We haven’t lived together since he was arrested.”

Details of Gray’s criminal behavior emerged during the court proceedings. It was revealed that between September 2 and 14, 2016, he had sent sexually explicit, offensive, and obscene messages to another woman, in which he discussed abusing children. Although these claims were ultimately unsubstantiated, forensic analysis of his computer uncovered illegal material. The court heard that Gray had admitted to downloading child abuse images between July 17 and November 22, 2014, and possessing illicit images from July 17, 2014, up until his arrest in November 2016.

Detective Constable Malcolm Peebles provided detailed insights into the investigation, stating that forensic examination of Gray’s online activity revealed discussions involving the exchange of child abuse images and videos via Skype. “The user of the devices carried out internet searches for images of young girls,” he explained. “They received and stored indecent images of children and created such images themselves. The conversations included discussions about indecent images, and files were exchanged. Videos depicting young children being sexually abused were discussed, and files were transferred, although the exact content remains unknown.”

Further investigation into Gray’s online chat history confirmed that he and another user had been exchanging files, including videos and images. When police officers searched the hidden files on his computer, they discovered three videos and 46 still images that raised significant concern. The court was informed that Gray had denied two additional charges but was found guilty of possessing and downloading illegal images of children. His actions have led to his placement on the sex offenders register, and sentencing has been deferred until later in the year. The community and authorities continue to grapple with the implications of this case, which underscores the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilant law enforcement.