RAY TERET'S DARK PAST UNVEILED IN ALTRINCHAM: VICTIMS REVEAL HORRIFIC ABUSE IN MANCHESTER

In a tragic development, Ray Teret, the notorious former DJ from Altrincham, has died in prison at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer. His death occurred this morning within the confines of HMP Manchester, commonly known as Strangeways, where he was serving a life sentence for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed decades ago.

Teret, who gained notoriety as a radio DJ and was once a close associate of the infamous Jimmy Savile, was convicted of seven counts of rape and 11 counts of indecent assault involving young girls as young as 12. His crimes spanned the 1960s and 1970s, a period during which he exploited his celebrity status in the North West to prey on vulnerable victims. His death marks the end of a long and dark chapter in the history of sexual abuse linked to prominent figures in the entertainment industry.

Ray Teret, born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and known locally in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, as 'Ugli Ray' and 'The Rat,' was once celebrated as a popular DJ on Radio Caroline. His career began in the early 1960s, and he was mentored by Jimmy Savile, whom he followed 'like a shadow' during the formative years of his career. Teret's association with Savile, a figure later revealed to be a prolific sex offender, cast a long shadow over his reputation.

During his trial in December 2014, Teret was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offenses. The Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard harrowing testimonies from victims, many of whom were young teenagers at the time of the assaults. The court was told that Teret had used his fame and charm to lure girls into situations where he could abuse them. Many victims, overwhelmed with emotion, were present in court, some crying out in anger and calling him a 'monster' as he was led away.

Despite his conviction, Teret maintained a degree of denial, claiming he had no interest in underage girls and denying 18 counts of rape, two serious sexual assaults, and other charges. He did admit to a previous conviction in 1999 for sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl, which he continues to deny was related to his current allegations.

The court heard that Teret exploited his position within the Manchester club scene, often using his celebrity to groom and victimize young girls. Many of his victims had been starstruck, believing they were in the company of a famous DJ, which he used to manipulate and abuse them. The prosecution highlighted that some victims were as young as 12, and that Teret's actions had a profound and lasting impact on their lives.

In the courtroom, prosecutor Tim Evans emphasized the calculated nature of Teret’s crimes, stating, ‘The Crown say that young teenage girls, far from doing nothing for him, were consistently pursued by him through the 60s and 70s.’ He added that many victims had felt unable to speak out for years, believing it was their fault, but that their bravery in coming forward had finally brought Teret to justice.

Legal representatives for Teret acknowledged the jury’s verdict, with Nicholas Johnson QC, his defense lawyer, urging the court to consider his client’s age and the possibility of eventual release. Teret, who had been on bail until his death, was remanded into custody to await sentencing scheduled for next week.

Authorities, including Nazir Afzal, the CPS Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North West, condemned Teret’s actions, describing him as a manipulative predator who used his charm to exploit vulnerable young girls. Afzal stressed that the victims’ courage in speaking out was instrumental in securing justice and hoped that the verdict would encourage other victims to come forward.

Legal experts and victim advocates have expressed relief that Teret’s long history of abuse has finally been acknowledged and punished. Liz Dux, an abuse lawyer representing some of Savile’s victims, praised the victims’ bravery and noted that the case serves as a stark reminder that justice can be achieved even after many years. She emphasized that Teret’s death in prison closes a painful chapter for many victims seeking closure.

Throughout his life, Ray Teret attempted to distance himself from his association with Jimmy Savile, claiming that their relationship was not as close as media reports suggested. He insisted he was not Savile’s chauffeur and denied appearing on BBC’s Top of the Pops with him. However, evidence and testimonies from victims and associates painted a different picture, revealing a close and often complicated relationship rooted in their shared history in Manchester’s entertainment scene.

In the wake of his death, questions remain about the full extent of Teret’s crimes and the impact on his victims. His death in prison signifies the end of a long and painful journey for those who suffered at his hands, and it underscores the importance of continued vigilance and support for victims of sexual abuse in the entertainment industry and beyond.