SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER JAILED FOR INDECENCY
1996:A Sunday School instructor was ordered to serve a 12-month prison sentence today after being convicted of three charges of indecent assault against young girls.Stephen Williams, aged 34, residing on Butterworth Street in Radcliffe, was deemed guilty during a prior hearing at Bolton Crown Court.
The victims were pupils in his class at Besses United Reformed Church, located in Whitefield.
During yesterday’s sentencing, Judge Michael Lever QC stated that he had received numerous letters from individuals described as 'responsible' who requested leniency for Williams, noting his previously good character.
The judge recognized that the crimes were at the less severe end of the spectrum, emphasizing that the girls had not been intimidated and that there was no indication of escalation in the offences.
Williams’ defense, represented by Elizabeth Nicholls, highlighted the supportive correspondence from long-standing acquaintances who regarded Williams as a person of 'exceptional integrity.' Ms.
Nicholls argued that the offences involved only inappropriate touching and expressed confidence that Williams was unlikely to offend again.
