PHILIP BRAY FROM DETLING SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL IN MAIDSTONE

In December 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving Philip Bray, a horse riding instructor from White Hill Road, Detling, who was found guilty of engaging in a series of sexual offences against a teenage girl. The court heard that Bray, aged 37 at the time, went to extraordinary lengths to conceal his illicit activities, including manipulating technology to erase evidence of his misconduct.

Bray had set up both his and the victim’s mobile phones in such a way that he could remotely delete any incriminating material, such as nude photographs, if they were discovered. This calculated move demonstrated his intent to control the situation and hide his actions from detection. The revelation of his secret came when the girl’s mother grew suspicious after noticing unusual activity on her daughter’s phone. Upon investigation, she discovered explicit images and messages, which led to the exposure of Bray’s misconduct.

The court was informed that Bray, then 36, had engaged in full sexual intercourse with the 15-year-old girl and committed other indecent acts. He had also obtained the contraceptive pill for her via the internet, further indicating the nature of their relationship. Additionally, Bray persuaded the girl to send him indecent photographs, some of which he sent back, including images of his private parts. He also took photographs of her naked, which compounded the severity of his offences.

Prosecutor Peter Forbes detailed how the victim’s mother began noticing behavioral changes in her daughter last year. The girl initially denied having a boyfriend but became increasingly secretive. When questioned, she started deleting material from her phone, raising suspicion. Her mother eventually found a naked picture of her daughter, which she had taken and sent, leading to an emotional confrontation. The girl broke down and revealed Bray’s manipulative tactics, including his remote access to her phone. Evidence showed that Bray was in the process of deleting messages via his own device when he was discovered, indicating his awareness of being caught.

Further investigations uncovered that Bray had engaged in sexual activity with the girl at various locations, including a hotel, his former residence in Gillingham, and his car. The victim described how Bray’s influence and actions had a profound impact on her emotional well-being and development.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC sentenced Bray to four years and eight months in prison. In his remarks, the judge emphasized that Bray had taken the girl’s virginity and that his relationship with her was “all-consuming.” The judge condemned Bray’s calculated control over the victim, noting that he exploited her youth and innocence through a sustained pattern of sexual abuse. The long-term effects on the girl’s emotional and educational development were acknowledged as potentially severe.

Bray’s actions demonstrated a clear lack of insight into the gravity of his offences. Although he has sought counselling, he will face ongoing consequences. His name will be permanently listed on the sex offenders’ register, and he will be prohibited from working with children under 16 and vulnerable adults, ensuring he remains under supervision to prevent further harm.