Child sex offender described as ‘monster’ jailed for additional five years 

Victim’s mother tells court: ‘We continue to live in hell’

*This report contains information which some readers may find distressing.

A convicted sex offender – described as a ‘monster’ – has been ordered to spend another five years behind bars after admitting more offences.

Joshua David Gray, who’s already serving a nine-year prison sentence at the Isle of Man Prison, was sentenced at Douglas Courthouse today (11 May).

The 33-year-old admitted four offences of indecently assaulting a child, between February 2017 and January 2020, when they were aged between five and seven.

He’d also pleaded guilty to two offences of gross indecency and of inciting the child to commit gross indecency.

During sentencing the court was told the youngster had reported the abuse last year following a lesson about puberty at their school – revelations their mother described as ‘heartbreaking’.

The child later told police Gray had sexually abused them on numerous occasions.

In a victim impact statement, provided to the court, the victim’s mother said their ‘innocent’ child had been ‘scared and anxious’ that they would not be believed.

Describing Gray as ‘conniving’ and ‘vindictive’ she added “I am devastated by what has happened. He is a monster.”

Telling the court she’d been in ‘complete shock’ at the revelations she said she was now fearful for the impact on her child’s mental health adding: “The emotional scars never go away.”

“We are not coping with what has happened," she explained. "We continue to live in hell – it’s the only way to describe it.”

Gray was sentenced to nine years in prison, with a five-year extended licence, in December 2020 after admitting six sexual offences against another child including two of rape; these offences were carried out between 2007 and 2019.

Today his advocate told the court his client required ‘sophisticated psychological therapy’ adding: “I don’t consider this man is receiving the treatment he needs.”

Adding that there was ‘little to offer’ in terms of mitigation he added: “Rightminded members of the public will regard what Mr Gray has done as abhorrent.”

Imposing the additional custodial sentence Deemster Graeme Cook said the child’s revelations must have come as a ‘bombshell’ telling Gray: “Let me assure you – you are not winning.”

Sending Gray back to prison, with an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order, Deemster Cook thanked the family of the victim for the ‘dignity’ they’d shown during court proceedings.

Addressing the child’s mother directly he added: “Words cannot describe how it must have felt to make that statement.”

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by this article you can find information on organisations which can provide advice and support HERE.