Full Breakdown
Former Peterborough Councillor Convicted of 28 Sexual Offences Involving Cadets
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event
A jury at Ipswich Crown Court found 26-year-old Rylan Ray guilty of 28 sexual offences, including sexual assault, making indecent photographs of children, and the rape of a man. The offences stemmed from Ray’s use of social-media apps such as Snapchat to groom boys he instructed through the Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force. The verdict was delivered after roughly 11 hours of deliberation by a panel of four men and eight women.
02
Background & Context
Ray, born Rylan Fowler, grew up in Peterborough and joined the Army Cadets as a child before returning as an adult volunteer, eventually becoming a detachment commander. In May 2022 he was elected as the Conservative councillor for Eye, Thorney and Newborough, campaigning on improved safeguarding services. He was removed from the Conservative group in February 2023 and sat as an independent until he chose not to contest the May 2023 local election. Ray also held positions with HM Courts and Tribunals Service, the Ministry of Justice, and two local schools.
03
Timeline
- May 2022 – Elected to Peterborough City Council.
- February 2023 – Removed from the Conservative group, becomes independent councillor.
- May 2023 – Does not stand for re-election.
- Trial (date not specified) – Jury deliberates for 11 hours; verdict delivered on a Thursday.
- 8 January (scheduled) – Ray is to be sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court.
04
Data & Statistics
- Total convictions: 28 offences (23 newly found plus five previously pleaded guilty).
- Specific counts:
- Five counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act.
- Five counts of sexual communication with a child.
- Four counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
- Three counts of sexual assault.
- Three counts of making indecent photographs of children.
- One count of rape.
- One count of sexual activity with a child.
- One count of possessing an extreme pornographic image.
- Digital evidence: 704 indecent images recovered from Ray’s devices, including 73 Category A images. Not all images have been identified.
- Victims: 11 male complainants, many teenagers, plus one adult male victim of rape.
05
Official Statements & Responses
He urged anyone who believes they may have been a victim to contact specially trained officers.
06
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you have any concerns that you may have been a victim of Rylan Ray then please come forward; please talk to our specially trained officers,” — Det Con Gordon Logan, of Cambridgeshire Police
07
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The court cleared Ray of one count of possession of prohibited images and another of causing a child to watch a sexual act due to insufficient evidence. Additionally, while 704 indecent images were recovered, investigators have not yet identified all children depicted, leaving an incomplete picture of the full scope of the abuse.
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*Sentencing is scheduled for 8 January, when the court will determine Ray’s penalty.*