IAN WILLIAMS FROM ANGLESEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENCY CRIMES IN SHREWSBURY

In November 2011, a former officer of North Wales Police, Ian Williams, aged 45, faced serious criminal charges related to the creation and possession of indecent images of children. Williams, who served as a senior crime scene investigator based in Anglesey, was found guilty of these heinous acts and also admitted to causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

His crimes were brought before Shrewsbury Crown Court, where he received a sentence of 52 weeks in prison, though this was suspended for a period of two years. Additionally, Williams was subjected to a five-year sex offenders prevention order and was ordered to register as a sex offender, marking the severity of his violations.

The presiding judge, RW Onions, addressed Williams directly, emphasizing that he was fortunate to be sentenced based solely on the admissions he had made, rather than any unproven allegations or suspicions. The court's decision underscored the gravity of the crimes committed against vulnerable young girls, which had taken place within the context of Williams’s position of trust and authority.

The investigation into Williams’s conduct was conducted by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which scrutinized whether he had exploited his role within the police force to facilitate his criminal activities. Williams was based within the Western Division at Caernarfon during the investigation. Once sufficient evidence was collected, he was dismissed from North Wales Police early in the process.

IPCC Commissioner for Wales, Tom Davies, condemned the crimes, describing them as “despicable” and committed by a man in a position of responsibility. He emphasized that the primary concern was to ensure that Williams had not used his police role to further his criminal pursuits. Davies reassured the public that North Wales Police found no evidence to suggest Williams had abused his position for personal gain.

The investigation involved collaboration between North Wales Police and West Mercia Police, where Williams had also committed offenses. Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards of West Mercia Police highlighted the dangers of online predators, warning that individuals who believe they are safe behind the anonymity of their computers are often caught eventually. Edwards stated, “Sexual predators might think they are safe using a computer in the confines of their home. However, with modern technology they are likely to be found out and in due course, we will come knocking on their door.”

North Wales Police’s Detective Inspector Simon Williams reaffirmed their commitment to tackling such crimes decisively. He noted that Williams was dismissed early in the investigation once enough evidence was gathered, demonstrating the force’s zero-tolerance approach to criminality, whether it involves members of the public or police personnel.