RAY DOWNING SENTENCED IN BAKEWELL FOR INDECENT ASSAULT ON TEENAGER

Ray Downing, a 69-year-old resident of Bakewell in Derbyshire, has been sentenced to eight months in prison following his conviction for indecently assaulting a teenage girl. The incident, which occurred in September 2001, involved a 17-year-old girl who has a mental age of approximately eight years. During the court proceedings at Derby Crown Court, Downing claimed that his actions were part of an attempt to educate the teenager about sex.

The court heard that Downing had befriended the young woman and that at one point, he was found naked in her bedroom. He subsequently admitted that inappropriate physical contact had taken place. The details of the assault paint a troubling picture of misconduct carried out by someone in a position of trust and authority.

Judge Peter Stretton, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence. He remarked, "You imposed yourself on an inadequate family, and you used your dominance to behave in the manner that has been described to me. It is beyond belief that anyone could have mistaken your conduct for sexual education." As the judge pronounced the sentence, Downing collapsed in the dock, reflecting the gravity of the conviction.

In addition to the prison term, the judge ordered that Downing serve an extended licence period of three years and four months. Furthermore, he will be subject to the terms of the Sexual Offenders Act for a duration of ten years, reflecting the seriousness of the offence and the ongoing risk assessment.

The case also brought to light that Downing faces fifteen other charges of indecent assault against five different women. These allegations will remain on file and could potentially lead to further legal action if pursued.

The circumstances surrounding this case are complicated by a long-standing family history of distress. Downing's son, Stephen Downing, was previously wrongfully convicted of murder and imprisoned for 27 years. His family endured significant stress during that period, which Downing’s defense team highlighted during the trial.

After the sentencing, Stephen Downing, now aged 47, expressed his disapproval of the verdict. He stated, "I am saddened that the judge has decided to send my father to prison. He is not a paedophile or sexual predator, and this sad situation has resulted from his stupidity and the immense pressures he has faced over the last thirty years." Despite the family’s hardships, Stephen continued to support his father, emphasizing the complexity of the case and the impact of long-term personal struggles.