A former paramedic from Welwyn Garden City has been jailed for 24 years, after his "grotesque abuse" of a teenage girl.

Stuart Gray, previously of Beehive Lane, was sentenced to almost a quarter of a century behind bars, after appearing at St Albans Crown Court today (Thursday, December 21).

The 60-year-old was found guilty of rape by a jury earlier this year, and he had already pleaded guilty to charges relating to sexual activity with a child, making indecent photographs of a child and voyeurism.

He must served two thirds of his sentence before he is considered for parole, he will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The offences – which were not committed while he was on duty as a paramedic – related to one victim over a ten-year period, between 2010 and 2020.

Gray groomed the vulnerable teenager and convinced her that they were both 'angels' on earth, making her believe the grotesque abuse was his way of 'saving her'.

He also filmed and photographed her committing sexual acts without her consent, and indecent images and videos were found on his computer following his arrest.

In 2021, the victim – now aged in her 20s – bravely reported Gray to police, before he was arrested and suspended from duty. He has also since been removed from the paramedics’ professional register.

Detective Constable Sonja Townsend, from the Welwyn Hatfield Local Crime Unit, said: "Gray is an abhorrent individual and his victim has shown incredible bravery throughout this ordeal.

"I hope today’s result goes some way in helping her to move forward with her life.

"If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, please report it no matter how long ago it happened. We have specialist support to help you and we will do everything we can to get you justice."

Following the sentencing, Judge Sheridan praised DC Townsend, who led the investigation into Gray's abuse, adding that she was a credit to the Chief Constable.