Former Radio DJ Ray Teret has been handed a 25-year jail sentence for his involvement in a string of historic sex offences involving 11 women.
The 73-year-old from Altrincham was today found guilty by a jury of raping and indecently assaulting impressionable teenage girls over a 35-year period from the 1960s onwards.
As Teret was sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court this morning, some of the victims present in court cheered and cried, with some shouting ‘monster’ at the sex offender.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Graham Brock said: “After decades of hiding behind the veneer of being a distinguished radio presenter, Ray Teret has finally been exposed as the manipulative and dangerous sexual predator that he is.”
The close friend of Jimmy Savile ‘cast a dark shadow over his victims’ lives’, said Detective Chief Inspector Brock.
He added: “I know from speaking to them personally how devastating the effects of his abuse have been. They have courageously relived their ordeal at court and should be applauded for having the bravery to speak out and bring this man to justice for his appalling crimes.”
Teret had denied the charges of 18 rapes, two other serious sexual assaults, one attempted rape, 12 indecent assaults and one count of indecency with a child.
During the trial, Teret told jurors he had no interest in underage girls, but the court heard about his 1999 conviction for sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl.
Known as ‘Ugly Ray’, Teret was mentored by Jimmy Savile early in his career and the trial heard he was described as following him around ‘like a shadow’.
Sentencing judge Mr Justice Baker told Teret he was likely to spend the rest of his life in jail.
Anyone concerned about abuse can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively can refer themselves to St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515.
Image courtesy of BBC, Inset courtesy of Press Association. Both via YouTube with thanks.
