Wayne Harris, a paedophile from Coleford, has been convicted of many charges of sexually abusing a boy approximately 20 years ago. The jury at Gloucester Crown Court deliberated for less an hour before convicting 41-year-old Wayne Harris of six child-related offences.
Wayne Harris has been detained and is scheduled for sentencing next week.
On 3 April, Wayne Harris was convicted of four charges of causing or inciting a child under the age of 13 to participate in sexual conduct and two counts of engaging in sexual behaviour in the presence of a child.
Throughout the four-day trial, the court was informed that Wayne Harris, in his early twenties, sexually assaulted the youngster on numerous occasions.
He participated in sexual contact with a woman in the child’s presence for his own sexual enjoyment.
Wayne Harris refuted any allegations of a sexual nature involving the youngster, asserting in court that the victim fabricated the account; nevertheless, the jury rendered a guilty verdict.
Wayne Harris, residing on Smithy Close in Coleford, is scheduled for sentencing on Monday, April 14.
Detective Constable Victoria Bygrave said: “Wayne Harris is a devious, manipulative, sexual predator who subjected his victim to a catalogue of horrific sexual offences when he was just 11 years old.
“Throughout the investigation Wayne Harris has lied and attempted to deceive at every turn in order to cover up his deplorable crimes, depicting the victim as a malicious individual who was only making the allegation in order to ruin his life.
“I am so grateful to the jury for seeing through his lies and convicting Wayne Harris after just under an hour of deliberations. This shows how truly sure of his guilt they were.
“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 that took place when he was just a young child and having the courage to give evidence in court against his abuser after so many years.
“There is often stigma attached to male victims of sexual violence with them feeling embarrassed as to what has happened to them and feeling as though they will not be believed. I want to assure any victims of sexual violence regardless of your gender that we will listen to you and support you throughout an investigation.”
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