'Sexual predator' found guilty of abusing boy

A man described as a "devious, manipulative, sexual predator" has been found guilty of sexually abusing a boy around 20 years ago.

Wayne Harris, 41, of Smithy Close, Coleford, was convicted 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.

Harris, who was in his early 20s when he sexually abused the boy, was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on Monday.

Det Con Victoria Bygrave from Gloucestershire Police said Harris, "a devious, manipulative, sexual predator" subjected his victim "to a catalogue of horrific sexual offences."

"Throughout the investigation 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," she added.

She said the offences have had "a long-standing and far reaching impact on the victim" and praised his courage to give evidence against his abuser "after so many years".

The four-day trial was told how Harris engaged in sexual activity with a woman while in the presence of the child for his own sexual gratification.

Harris said nothing of a sexual nature occurred with the child and instead told the court the victim had made up the story.

However, after less than an hour of deliberations the jury found him guilty.

Det Con Bygrave said: "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," she said.

"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," she added.

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