JAMES WILLIAM SENTENCED IN CARLISLE FOR CHILD KIDNAPPING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT

A man named James William has been sentenced to life imprisonment after a disturbing incident in Carlisle, where he attempted to abduct and sexually assault a 12-year-old boy. The incident took place during the summer holidays in August 2022, shortly after William’s release from prison. The Carlisle Crown Court heard harrowing details of the event, which has left a lasting scar on the young victim and his family.

According to court proceedings, James William, who hails from Lancashire, approached the boy in a seemingly casual manner, engaging him in conversation for several minutes. During this interaction, William offered the child twenty pounds, claiming it was to show him around the local area. As part of his manipulative tactics, William provided the boy with a mixture of vodka and Red Bull in a bottle, which the young boy drank, swallowing a mouthful of the alcoholic beverage.

Following this, William managed to isolate the boy from a friend he was with and led him down a secluded path. The situation escalated when they reached a field, where William attempted to remove the boy’s shirt from his trousers, with the apparent intention of making the child undress completely. Prosecutor Peter Wilson described the scene, stating, “It was at this point the boy heard his mother screaming his name, which caused William to halt his actions. The boy then ran back to his mother in a state of distress.”

Police were promptly called to the scene, and William was arrested on the spot. During police interviews, William denied the allegations but later admitted in court to charges of kidnapping and sexual assault. The court was informed that William, who has no fixed address, has a long history of criminal behavior, including previous convictions for raping boys and other child sex offenses. His criminal record indicates that he has spent most of his adult life behind bars, with lengthy sentences for similar crimes.

Defense lawyer Jacob Dyer emphasized William’s extensive time in custody, but the court’s judgment was clear. Judge Michael Fanning described William as a dangerous offender, citing his classification as a very high risk to children. The judge ordered that William serve a minimum of 56 months in prison before he can be considered for parole. The judge also remarked on the disturbing nature of William’s motives, stating, “It is clear your motive was wholly sexual.” He further expressed concern about what might have happened had the victim’s mother not arrived at the scene in time.

In conclusion, the court’s ruling reflects the severity of William’s actions and the ongoing threat he poses to the community, especially to children in Carlisle and beyond.