STEVE WILLIAMS FROM DEWSBURY AND WILLIAM KELLY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN BLACKPOOL

Two men have been handed lengthy prison sentences exceeding 25 years after committing heinous acts of sexual violence against a woman in Blackpool. The incident, which shocked the local community, involved a series of brutal assaults that took place in April of the previous year, culminating in a court case that drew significant attention.

William Kelly, aged 46 and residing on Beechfield Avenue in Blackpool, and Steve Williams, aged 49 from The Combs in Dewsbury, appeared before Preston Crown Court on Monday, September 11, to face justice for their crimes. The police had swiftly responded to reports from a 25-year-old woman who recounted being attacked in the Blackpool area during the night of April 29, 2016.

According to the victim, her ordeal began at a local bar where she was socializing. It was during this evening that William Kelly committed the first of his assaults, raping and sexually assaulting her. The investigation, which included detailed CCTV footage analysis, revealed that Steve Williams was present at the scene during the time of the offences. This evidence was crucial in establishing his involvement in the crimes.

Following the initial assault, Kelly and Williams took the woman to a bed and breakfast hotel located in the South Shore area of Blackpool. It was here that Williams continued his assault, raping and sexually assaulting her once again. The victim, traumatized by the events, confided in a friend afterward, who promptly contacted the police to report the incident.

During the legal proceedings, William Kelly admitted guilt to four counts of rape and sexual assault, accepting responsibility for his actions. Conversely, Steve Williams pleaded not guilty at first, leading to a trial where he was ultimately found guilty in May of three counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault. The court's verdict confirmed his involvement in multiple serious offences.

In sentencing, Kelly received a total prison term of 12 years, reflecting the gravity of his crimes. Williams was sentenced to 14 years behind bars, acknowledging the severity of his repeated assaults on the victim. The sentences serve as a stark reminder of the brutal nature of these crimes and the justice system's response.

Det Sgt Steve Harry, a senior officer from Blackpool CID, expressed his condemnation of the acts, stating, “This was a truly horrific sex attack where a young woman was targeted by Williams and Kelly before being subjected to an appalling ordeal.” The case underscores the importance of swift police action and thorough investigation in bringing perpetrators to justice and providing some measure of closure for victims.