Former paramedic sentenced to 24 years in prison for raping young girl – Welwyn Garden City

A former paramedic has been jailed for raping a young girl in Welwyn Garden City.

Stuart Gray, aged 60, previously of Beehive Lane, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court today (Thursday 21 December) after a jury found him guilty of rape earlier this year.

Gray had already pleaded guilty to charges relating to sexual activity with a child, making indecent photographs of a child and voyeurism.

Gray was sentenced to 24 years in prison, and must serve two thirds of his sentence before he is considered for parole. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders register for life and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

The offences – which were not committed while he was on duty as a paramedic – related to one victim over a ten-year period, between 2010 and 2020.

Gray groomed the vulnerable teenager and convinced her that he and she were both ‘angels’ on earth, making her believe the grotesque abuse was his way of ‘saving her’.

He also filmed and photographed her committing sexual acts without her consent, and indecent images and videos were found on his computer following his arrest.

In 2021 the victim – now aged in her 20s – bravely reported Gray to police, before he was arrested and consequently suspended from duty. He has also since been removed from the paramedics’ professional register.

Detective Constable Sonja Townsend, from the Welwyn Hatfield Local Crime Unit, said: “Gray is an abhorrent individual and his victim has shown incredible bravery throughout this ordeal. I hope today’s result goes some way in helping her to move forward with her life.

“If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, please report it no matter how long ago it happened. We have specialist support to help you and we will do everything we can to get you justice.”

Following the sentencing, Judge Sheridan praised DC Townsend, who led the investigation, adding that she was a credit to the Chief Constable.

Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact Herts SARC for practical and emotional support. The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them. To contact Herts SARC, call the 24/7 helpline on 0808 178 4448, email or visit the Herts SARC website (opens in new window). 

Meanwhile, Beacon is Hertfordshire’s Victim Care Centre and is staffed by professionals from both Hertfordshire Constabulary and Catch 22, an independent organisation commissioned to support victims of crime in Hertfordshire. For more information on how to contact Beacon in the strictest confidence, visit Beacon's website (opens in new window).