BEN WILLIAMS OF RHOS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT NEAR RUTHIN

A man visited a house and ended up putting his arm through a fence to sexually touch a young girl playing in the neighboring garden. The girl, only four years old, was overheard by her father asking a man if it tickled and if he wanted to do it again.

He also heard the man invite her to come closer, and when he looked out, he saw Ben Williams, 24, of Queen Street in Rhos, with his arm through the fence and his hand near the girl.

Williams, who has learning difficulties and other challenges, admitted to sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13 but avoided immediate custody.

Judge Geraint Walters, who delivered the sentence via a live TV link from Swansea at Mold Crown Court yesterday, described the incident as “a very concerning picture indeed.”

While Williams has his own difficulties, he had previously been cautioned for inciting a teenage girl to engage in sexual activity online. The judge noted that Williams is considered a significant risk unless provided with help and decided to suspend his prison sentence to allow for intensive intervention.

He was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 80 hours of one-to-one intensive rehabilitation to explore the reasons behind his behavior.

The aim was to help Williams change, so he would never behave similarly again.

Judge Walters highlighted the disturbing nature of the case, explaining that while visiting a house, Williams encountered the girl playing in the garden and, through the fence, touched her private parts over her clothing.

He added it would have been highly unpleasant for the girl and understandably angered her parents.

“Children must be protected from older people who take advantage of them so readily as you did on this occasion,” he said.

He condemned the behavior as opportunistic and reckless, especially since it happened in full view of her parents. The judge also referenced Williams’ past conduct, including sending a private part photograph over the internet.

Describing this as a “last chance,” Judge Walters emphasized he wanted Williams to have an opportunity to address his issues rather than being imprisoned immediately.

He warned that if Williams breached the court order or reoffended, he would serve time in prison.

Prosecutor Sion ap Mihangel stated that when confronted by the father, Williams initially claimed he was trying to retrieve his ball, but there was no ball present.

The father suspected something had happened, became angry, and told Williams to leave. When asked if he touched the girl, Williams initially said yes and apologized.

During police interview, Williams first claimed he was trying to get his ball and had brushed against her accidentally, but later admitted the full extent of his misconduct and apologized.

Caroline Harris, defending, explained that a psychiatric report indicated Williams was immature and sexually naive. He faces learning difficulties and other challenges, would be extremely vulnerable in prison, and clearly needs intervention.

Miss Harris added it was fortunate the girl was unconcerned by the incident.

Williams was working at a pizza place and was gaining more responsibilities. She confirmed he was willing to cooperate with probation services.

The court's decision was based on the hope that with support, Williams could prevent a recurrence of such behavior.