Haverhill Man Jailed for 1988 Sexual Assault and Nationwide Terror Hoax
Gary Preston, 65, of Haverhill, Suffolk, has been handed a hefty nine-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The conviction covers a 1988 violent sexual assault and a chilling nationwide terror hoax campaign he masterminded in 2013.
Deadly Hoax Sparks Panic Across 123 Centres
Back in 1988, Preston viciously attacked a woman in a public toilet. Fast forward to 2013, he launched a terror hoax by sending threatening letters to 123 centres nationwide. These envelopes included threats like “if I was you I would hold my breath and run in the 1 of Allah,” sparking widespread panic and multiple evacuations.
The envelopes were designed to mimic biological attack warnings, complete with Arabic text and symbols resembling the ISIS black flag. Though Preston isn’t Muslim and later called the acts “pranks,” the psychological impact was very real. Thankfully, tests proved the envelopes only contained harmless talcum powder.
DNA Breakthrough Leads to Arrest
Investigators cracked the case by matching DNA found on the 2013 hoax envelopes to samples from the 1988 sexual assault victim. Preston was arrested in September 2020 and soon faced multiple charges. These included dangerous driving and possession of an imitation firearm linked to a 2021 incident.
“Preston’s actions caused enduring fear and distress, especially as they targeted vulnerable sites like primary schools,” said prosecutor Maryam Syed.
The judge slammed his “lack of remorse” and refusal to explain his twisted motives.
Nearly a Decade Behind Bars for Serial Offender
Preston’s sentences for the terror hoaxes and sexual assault will run consecutively, ensuring he stays locked up for almost ten years. This case highlights how modern forensic and DNA advances can finally tie unresolved cold cases to recent crimes, bringing offenders like Preston to justice.
