SIMON GRAY FROM NEWINGTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING A 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN MAIDSTONE

In a case that has shocked the local community, Simon Gray, a young man from Newington, was sentenced to two years in youth custody after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a minor. The incident took place in Maidstone, where Gray, then 19 years old, developed a disturbing relationship with a 12-year-old girl, which culminated in him having sexual intercourse with her on four separate occasions.

Details of the case were heard at Maidstone Crown Court, where it was revealed that Gray’s inappropriate conduct was brought to light after an altercation with another girl. During this confrontation, the second girl disclosed information about Gray’s relationship with the younger girl, prompting police investigation.

In a surprising turn of events, Gray himself contacted the police, confessing to his actions with the statement, “I am a paedophile. I have got to be arrested.” His full confession was considered a significant factor in the court’s decision.

Gray, who resides on Church Lane in Newington, pleaded guilty to sexual assault by penetration. The court also learned that Gray had been involved in volunteer work at local schools, assisting with young pupils, which added a layer of concern regarding his interactions with minors.

During the hearing, Gray’s defense lawyer, Alistair Keith, argued that Gray had left university and was trying to rebuild his life by working at Argos. He urged the judge, Judge Andrew Patience QC, to consider whether the public interest might be better served by providing Gray with therapeutic help to prevent future offending rather than immediate imprisonment.

However, Judge Patience was unequivocal in his stance, emphasizing the gravity of the offense. He stated, “This is an extremely serious offence. Parliament has made that sort of behaviour an offence precisely because of the need to protect girls of that age, who are immature and not yet ready for sexual relationships, from those like you who take advantage to satisfy their own desires. I cannot avoid sending you immediately to a custodial sentence, not only to punish you but to serve as a warning that immature young men who exploit immature schoolgirls do so at their peril and will face the consequences.”

While acknowledging Gray’s cooperation and full admissions, the judge also imposed strict conditions. Gray was banned from having unsupervised contact with girls under 16 and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years, reflecting the seriousness with which the court viewed his actions and the need for ongoing monitoring to protect potential future victims.