A man has been jailed after he was found guilty of several counts of sexually abusing a boy around 20 years ago.
Wayne Harris, aged 41 and of Smithy Close, Coleford was sentenced to six years in custody after a jury found him guilty of six offences against the child.
On 3 April this year it took the jury at Gloucester Crown Court less than an hour to find him guilty of four counts of causing or inciting a child aged under 13 to engage in sexual activity and two counts of sexual activity in the presence of a child.
During the sentencing hearing on Monday (21 July), a statement from the victim was read out in court, which detailed how he had started to drink alcohol and use drugs after Harris sexually abused him when he was a child.
He added: “Since I was a kid I have always had problems with anger. I was always getting kicked out of school.
“I didn’t tell anyone what had happened to me. I was mostly embarrassed about what had happened and I didn’t want anyone to know.”
During the four day trial, the court heard how when Harris was aged in his early 20s he sexually abused the boy on multiple occasions.
He also engaged in sexual activity with a woman while in the presence of the child for his own sexual gratification.
Harris denied that anything of a sexual nature had occurred with the child, telling the court that the victim had made up the story, however the jury found him guilty.
Following the sentencing, investigating officer Detective Constable Victoria Bygrave said: “Harris has spent many years believing that he had gotten away with his deplorable crimes, and I am relieved to know that he will now spend time in prison.
“This case proves that it doesn’t matter how long ago offences happened, the police and criminal justice system will take the allegations seriously and do everything possible to ensure justice.
“Harris continuously lied throughout the investigation, making attempts to deceive in order to cover up what he had done. I’m grateful the jury saw through this.
“These offences have had a long-standing and far reaching impact on the victim. It is a true testament to him that he came forward and supported this investigation, disclosing the traumatic events which Harris subjected him to when he was a child.
“There is often stigma attached to male victims of sexual violence with them feeling embarrassed as to what someone has done to them, and feeling as though they will not be believed. I want to assure any victims of sexual violence that we will listen to you and support you throughout an investigation.”
To report a rape or other sexual offences call 999 in an emergency, or report by calling 101 or online here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/
Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre provide support for all victims and survivors of sexual violence, for more information visit: https://www.glosrasac.org/
