Retrial Scheduled for Alford Man Accused of Historic Sexual Abuse

A retrial has been scheduled for Raymond McKay, a man accused of multiple historic sex offences. McKay, who resides in Alford, was charged with raping a boy under the age of 16 on numerous occasions over a span of five years starting in 1999 when he was living in Harlow. The charges include raping a boy under 16 on multiple occasions, indecently assaulting a boy under 14, inciting a boy under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency, indecently assaulting a boy under 16, and inciting a boy under 16 to commit gross indecency. The jury at Chelmsford Crown Court was discharged earlier this month after failing to reach a verdict. During the trial, the alleged victim, who claimed he was abused starting at age six, was cross-examined by defence barrister Mark Kelly KC. A new jury will be sworn in for the retrial scheduled for five days in the first week of December 2024. The court proceedings revealed serious allegations against McKay, with the victim giving testimony about prolonged abuse. The case is among several high-profile court cases covered, and the retrial aims to seek justice for the complainant.