Locations
Eastern Avenue, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21
Description
The strength, courage and resilience of brave victims of a sex offender has resulted in their abuser being jailed for 18 years and 11 months.
Raymond Utley committed vile and heinous sexual acts against his victims, causing them emotional and psychological turmoil that destroyed one woman's childhood.
Utley raped and sexually abused his first victim when she was just 14 years old, with offences taking place in Doncaster, Barnsley and Sheffield.
He would buy her alcohol and even filmed himself on a camcorder sexually abusing her.
Utley's offending had a traumatic impact on his victim for over two decades. However, she showed incredible bravery and courage to report his crimes to police, resulting in him being charged with multiple sexual offences.
In respect of his first victim, Utley, 59, of Eastern Avenue, Gainsborough, pleaded guilty to two counts of raping a female under the age of 16, three counts of indecent assault and one count of taking an indecent photograph of a child.
Detective Constable Mike Tilley, who was the officer in charge of the case for South Yorkshire Police, said:
"Utley exerted power and control over his victim, causing her psychological turmoil which has haunted her for decades.
"He was even twisted enough to record himself sexually abusing his victim, using a camcorder that he kept in a locked case.
"He then destroyed all evidence of this but the power of her testimony ensured that he would face justice for crimes committed more than two decades before.
"This was a complex investigation as we worked alongside Lincolnshire Police to ensure that all of Utley's victims were able to secure justice and I do hope that today's sentencing brings closure to them because it is the very least that they deserve after the ordeal they were put through.
"Please know that if you have been a victim of a sexual offence, you are not alone. We are here to listen, we are here to support you and you will be believed."
Utley also pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault in respect of two other victims, with these cases investigated by Lincolnshire Police.
DC Joe Wood, of Lincoln Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said:
“Following today’s sentencing, our thoughts remain firmly with the victims, who showed immense courage and resilience throughout this investigation.
"The offences committed between 1 August 2021 and 31 October 2022 were committed against children - young people who should have been safe, protected, and free from harm.
“I want to be absolutely clear: we will always listen. We will always support. We are committed to gathering robust evidence, ensuring that victims feel heard, believed, and treated with dignity at every stage of the process. No child should suffer in silence, and we encourage anyone who has been affected by abuse to come forward - when you do, you will be taken seriously.
“Investigations of this nature are complex and often deeply distressing, but our officers work tirelessly alongside partner agencies to build strong cases and bring perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice. Today’s sentence reflects the gravity of these offences and sends a clear message that abuse of children will not be tolerated.
“I would like to thank the victims for their bravery in coming forward and their support throughout the judicial process. It is because of their strength that this offender has been held to account.
“Our commitment does not end here. We will continue to work to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, pursue those who cause harm, and ensure that justice is served.”
Utley, who was jailed at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday (3 July), faced further charges of sexual abuse and rape in respect of the same three victims with these ordered to lie on file.