KEITH GRAY OF METHERINGHAM SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR SYSTEMATIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN LINCOLN

In a case that has shocked the community of Metheringham, Keith Gray, a 65-year-old man, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Lincoln Crown Court for the systematic sexual abuse of a young girl. The offences, which spanned from September 1983 to December 1987, involved Gray repeatedly assaulting the girl, who was only seven years old at the time.

Gray, residing on Fen Road in Metheringham, admitted to eight charges of indecent assault. The court heard that his abusive actions were carried out over a period of three years, during which he subjected the young girl to repeated acts of sexual misconduct. The victim, now in her 40s, disclosed her ordeal after years of silence, revealing that she had been subjected to ongoing abuse by Gray during her childhood.

The judge, Simon Hirst, acknowledged the severity of the crimes but explained that the sentence was limited by the maximum penalty available at the time the offences occurred. He stated, “It is clear your victim has been profoundly affected by your abuse of her which was carried out for no other reason than for you to gain sexual gratification for yourself.”

Judge Hirst further emphasized that the sentencing had to reflect current legal standards, despite the fact that the offences took place many years ago. “The offences for which I have to sentence you took place many years ago when the maximum sentence was considerably lower than is now available and at a time when the sentencing climate was less than it is now. I must sentence you in accordance with the sentencing regime applicable today, not at the time of the offences. If not, the sentence would be higher,” he explained.

Prosecutor Mark Watson detailed the disturbing nature of Gray’s actions, stating, “The victim was systematically abused by this defendant when she was a child. It started when she was about seven years old.” He added that Gray repeatedly touched the girl over the course of three years and forced her to perform sexual acts on him on multiple occasions.

The case came to light after the victim confided in her mother and sister about the abuse. Following her disclosure, she sought counselling and, in April of the previous year, formally reported the incidents to the police. Gray was subsequently arrested, during which he offered limited admissions, admitting that he had asked the girl to touch him on one occasion but denying the rest of his behaviour.

As part of his sentence, Gray was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Metheringham, highlighting the importance of vigilance and support for victims of such heinous crimes.