JOHN WILLIAMS SENTENCED IN SKIPTON FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE

In September 2016, a woman who endured years of sexual abuse, beginning at the tender age of three, has spoken out publicly following the sentencing of her attacker, John Williams. The victim, now 24 years old, expressed her relief and sense of justice after Williams, aged 57 and residing on Castle Street in Skipton, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term.

Williams was convicted at Bolton Crown Court of multiple heinous crimes, including three counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault, and gross indecency with a child. As part of his punishment, he was also placed on the sex offenders register for life. The court's decision came after a thorough trial that revealed the extent of his abuse over an eight-year period, starting when the victim was just three years old.

The woman, who previously lived in Bolton where some of the abuse occurred, described her emotional response to the sentencing. She said she cried tears of happiness when the verdict was announced. Reflecting on her past, she shared, “I used to think he was an evil genius, like a devil who could control my life. He was so manipulative and I thought he could get away with anything.”

She recounted her childhood fears, including her belief that Williams was watching her whenever a plane flew overhead, a sign she thought was him observing her. She also expressed her doubts about whether he would be convicted, believing he might manipulate his way out of the charges, especially since she knew he would not admit to his crimes.

During the court proceedings, she chose to face Williams directly, refusing to hide behind a screen, despite the option being available. She explained, “They said I could have a screen, but I said ‘no, why should I have to hide behind a screen and hide from him again?’ I wanted to see him.” Her words conveyed her strength and desire for closure. If given the chance, she said she would tell him, “you picked the wrong person.” Now, she feels empowered, stating, “It still affects me, but now I want to just laugh in his face because he isn’t an evil genius because he is in prison now.”

The victim detailed her early awareness of the wrongfulness of the abuse, recalling that she first confided in other children at school when she was six. She said, “I knew what was happening was wrong, but fear was the main thing. Then the worst thing was that I knew it was wrong, but I couldn’t stop it.” She described how she told her friends in the playground, but was met with confusion and judgment, which led her to keep silent for many years afterward.

It was only in 2013 that she disclosed her ordeal to the police, marking the beginning of a formal investigation. This disclosure was also the first time she confided in her father, who expressed his feelings about the case. He said, “The fact that he got 20 years just makes me realize the enormity of it all. I don’t think it’s something that you can ever get over but you can get accustomed to it. It is hard to talk about still.”

Her father added that he felt guilty for not knowing sooner but understood her reasons for silence, mainly fear of repercussions. He expressed hope for her future, wishing her happiness and stability, and emphasized his support for her as she moves forward.

DC David Aschcroft of Greater Manchester Police, who handled the case, issued a statement praising the victim’s bravery. He said, “This was a historic abuse crime of rape, indecent assault and gross indecency on a young girl. This is a great result with a dangerous offender receiving a significant sentence which reflects the gravity of this offence. The victim displayed courage and bravery throughout the case and I want to commend her.”

Now, with her attacker behind bars, the woman is focusing on her future. She reflected on how the experience has shaped her personality, saying, “I think I would have been different to how I am now if it hadn’t happened. I am different. It is hard to explain but it does affect a lot of things in my life. I would say that it has made me quite an outspoken person, I am a friendly person but I can stand my ground.”

She revealed that she was surprised by her own strength during the court proceedings, where she defied expectations by not appearing shy or submissive. “And that’s what I don’t think he expected when I was in court, he expected to get the shy little girl I had been. But I am a lot stronger now,” she said. Although she admits to still being in some denial about her past, she feels that the sentencing has marked a turning point, allowing her to look forward rather than dwelling on the past. “I just want to put it behind me and it be in my past, it will always be there but before he was sentenced I was living in the past, now I can look to my future.”