RICHARD WILLIAMS FROM BLAENAU FFESTINIOG SENTENCED FOR INTERNET SEXUAL ABUSE OF VULNERABLE TEEN IN CAERNARFON

In a case that has shocked the community of Blaenau Ffestiniog and beyond, Richard Williams, a 57-year-old resident of Llain y Maen in Blaenau Ffestiniog, was convicted and sentenced for serious crimes involving the sexual exploitation of a vulnerable teenage boy through online platforms. The offences, which took place in January 2017, involved a disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse carried out over the internet, with one particularly lengthy video session lasting an astonishing six and a half hours.

Williams was brought before Caernarfon Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including causing or inciting the boy to engage in sexual activity, four counts of making indecent images of children, and possession of extreme pornography—specifically, an adult engaging in sexual acts with a dog. The court heard that the defendant’s actions were driven by his perverted sexual needs, and the judge, Huw Rees, did not hold back in condemning his conduct. Judge Rees emphasized the importance of protecting children from predators like Williams, stating that they must be safeguarded "from people like you who are there to take advantage of them for their own perverted sexual needs."

As part of the sentencing, Williams was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Additionally, the court imposed indefinite sexual harm and sex offenders’ orders, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.

The investigation was initiated after authorities in North Wales received a report from a police force in the south of England. The report originated from staff at a residential school, who expressed concerns that a pupil had been in internet contact with Williams. Following these concerns, law enforcement officials conducted a search of Williams’ residence, where they uncovered incriminating digital evidence. The police found numerous inappropriate images, including screenshots and intimate photographs of the teenage victim, which further confirmed the allegations against him.

This case underscores the dangers posed by online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable young people from exploitation. The community and authorities alike are reminded of the ongoing need to monitor and combat such heinous crimes, ensuring that offenders are brought to justice and that children are kept safe from harm.