Gray, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 1042 (30 July 2025)

Gray, R. v [2025] EWCA Crim 1042 (30 July 2025)

There was sufficient evidence of lack of consent, including overt evidence and extensive grooming, to leave the issue to the jury. The judge's directions, though imperfect, were legally adequate and did not reverse the burden of proof. The finding of dangerousness and the sentence imposed were justified given the gravity, duration, and aggravating features of the offending.

Citation
[2025] EWCA Crim 1042
Parties
Respondent: The King; Appellant: Stuart Allen Gray
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
30 July 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction and Sentence From Crown Court
Outcome
Appeal against conviction and sentence dismissed
Legal Topics
Rape, Consent, Grooming, Controlling or Coercive Behaviour, Dangerous Offender, Sentencing, Burden of Proof
Criminal Law Rape Consent Grooming Controlling or Coercive Behaviour Dangerous Offender Sentencing Burden of Proof

Case Brief

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Parties

The King

Respondent

Stuart Allen Gray

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction and Sentence From Crown Court

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether there was sufficient evidence of lack of consent to support conviction for rape
  2. 2 Whether the judge's directions to the jury on consent and reasonable belief in consent were legally adequate
  3. 3 Whether the finding of dangerousness and the length of sentence were justified

Ratio Decidendi

There was sufficient evidence of lack of consent, including overt evidence and extensive grooming, to leave the issue to the jury. The judge's directions, though imperfect, were legally adequate and did not reverse the burden of proof. The finding of dangerousness and the sentence imposed were justified given the gravity, duration, and aggravating features of the offending.

Court Disposition

Appeal against conviction and sentence dismissed