In 2023, the Offender Database reported that Gary Griffiths, then 51, of Rudds Court, Whitehaven, Cumbria, was sentenced to nine years in prison at Carlisle Crown Court. Following a trial, a jury found Griffiths guilty of a series of offences against a girl.
The investigation by Cumbria Constabulary established that the offences occurred in June 2021. The counts for which he was sentenced include:
- Rape of a girl.
- Attempting to rape a girl.
- Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
- Two counts of an offender over 18 engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl.
Sentence and Lifetime Orders
For the offences in Whitehaven, Gary Griffiths was:
- Sentenced to nine years in prison.
- Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
- Given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Detective Constable Gail Penman stated that sexual assaults will not be tolerated and that the police will do everything in their power to hold offenders accountable. She noted that the victim would be supported throughout the process.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Griffiths is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Cumbria Constabulary. His status and his residency in Whitehaven remain under scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register and subject to a lifetime SHPO, Griffiths must comply with notification requirements. Cumbria Constabulary states that they work with partner agencies to manage risks to the public. Any breach of his order or registration conditions will result in his return to Carlisle Crown Court.
Griffiths was born and spent most of his life in Sussex before moving to Whitehaven. He was then in Eastbourne from initial bail all the way till he broke his conditions and got put on remand. All his family is in Eastbourne so I expect him to return once his release is allowed.
Support Services Available
If you have been affected by sexual abuse or assault, several services are available to provide professional and sensitive support:
The Bridgeway (Cumbria SARC): A dedicated service for victims in the Cumbria area.
SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centres): Provide medical, practical, and emotional support 24/7.
ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor): Provides advocacy and support throughout the criminal justice process.
Rape Crisis England & Wales: Provide specialist support and confidential helplines.
Cumbria Constabulary: Can be contacted via 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency) to begin an investigation.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.