RAY CLAYDON FROM BRENTWOOD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCE INVOLVING FIVE-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In July 2018, a disturbing incident involving Ray Claydon, a resident of Mill Lane on the outskirts of Brentwood, came to light, revealing a serious breach of trust and a grave criminal act. Claydon was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a young child, specifically a five-year-old girl, after entering her bedroom in the early hours of the morning with malicious intent.

According to court proceedings, Claydon entered the girl’s bedroom while she was asleep, and in a disturbing attempt to exploit her innocence, he moved her hand towards his genitalia. Fortunately, the young girl was able to quickly snatch her hand away, preventing any physical contact. The court heard that Claydon was naked at the time and had encouraged her to touch his penis, an act that was clearly intended to be sexual in nature. Despite his claims that there was only accidental contact, the jury convicted him of one count of sexual activity with a child, a verdict that underscores the severity of his actions.

Prosecutor Alan Compton detailed the case, emphasizing that Claydon entered the girl’s bedroom believing she was asleep and attempted to induce her to touch his genitals. The girl’s mother chose not to submit a victim impact statement, but the court was informed of a statement from the girl’s father, which highlighted the emotional toll of the incident.

Representing Claydon, solicitor Jamie Sawyer acknowledged the seriousness of the offence but argued that it did not involve penetrative activity and was not among the most severe crimes. He pointed out that Claydon had a previous conviction, though it was unrelated and old, and suggested that a custodial sentence might be avoided in favor of a more constructive approach. However, Judge Patricia Lynch QC interrupted these mitigation efforts, emphasizing that the case’s gravity was compounded by the fact that a child believed she was being sexually abused. She stated, “The difficulty I have is that I cannot be satisfied that there is a prospect of rehabilitation and the seriousness of this case is not by virtue of the act itself or the attempt, it is the fact that it was a child and her take that she was being sexually abused.”

Judge Lynch further explained that any form of sexual activity involving a child is a serious offence, regardless of the specifics, and that a suspended sentence would only be appropriate if there was a genuine prospect of rehabilitation. Despite Claydon’s continued denial of the offence, the court considered character references from his family and acquaintances, which painted a different picture of his character.

During sentencing, the judge acknowledged the pain inflicted on the young victim and her family. She detailed the incident, stating that Claydon entered the girl’s bedroom naked, and although he claimed that her hand accidentally brushed his penis, the girl believed she was being sexually assaulted. The judge highlighted that Claydon’s actions caused significant emotional suffering and that he was aware of the wrongfulness of his conduct.

Ultimately, Claydon was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months. The judge emphasized that this sentence was carefully considered, taking into account the victim’s suffering and the jury’s verdict. Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed for ten years, and Claydon was ordered to register as a sex offender. The court’s decision aimed to balance justice for the young girl with the need to protect the community from future harm.