WILLIAM ABBOTT AND HELEN WARD SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD SEX OFFENCES IN SHOTTON AND WALLASEY

In a landmark case that spanned decades and involved serious allegations of historic sexual misconduct, William Abbott and Helen Ward faced justice at Mold Crown Court. The proceedings revealed disturbing details of abuse that had taken place over 30 years ago, with both defendants now in their sixties, having been convicted of multiple serious offences against children.

William Abbott, aged 61 and residing on Pickering Road in Wallasey, was sentenced to 16 years in prison after being found guilty of two counts of rape, an attempted rape, and two indecent assaults involving a female child. The court heard that Abbott, who was practicing Jehovah’s Witness at the time, subjected one young girl to a bizarre and disturbing 'rape test.' During this test, he purportedly told her that she would need to learn to fight off men in her future, claiming it was a way to prepare her for potential encounters with rapists. The girl was unable to defend herself, and Abbott cynically exploited this vulnerability by raping her for his own sexual gratification.

Helen Ward, aged 60 and from Green Lane in Shotton, was convicted of aiding and abetting Abbott in his crimes. She received a ten-year prison sentence. The court found that Ward had been under Abbott’s control at the time of the offences and had actively assisted him. Both Abbott and Ward were ordered to be placed on the sex offender register for life, reflecting the severity of their crimes. Additionally, they were subjected to Sexual Offences Prevention Orders (SOPOs), which prohibit them from being alone with children in the future, aiming to prevent any further harm.

Despite their denials, the court’s verdict was clear. Abbott was convicted of two rapes, an attempted rape, and two indecent assaults on a female child, while Ward was found guilty of aiding and abetting rape, attempted rape, and indecent assault. The offences were committed in the early 1980s, a period marked by illicit drug use, which the judge noted may have contributed to the environment in which these crimes occurred.

Judge Philip Hughes emphasized that Abbott had exerted control over his victims, often threatening them to silence their disclosures. The judge described Abbott as a domineering figure and a bully, who manipulated Ward into participating in his criminal activities. The court also considered testimonials from individuals who, since the offences, had viewed Abbott and Ward as responsible and respectable members of the community, highlighting the complex nature of their characters.

One of the most disturbing aspects of the case was Abbott’s claim that the 'rape test' was intended as a form of 'training' for the girl, supposedly to help her understand what to expect from men and how to defend herself. The court found this explanation to be cynical and deeply troubling. Ward’s involvement was characterized by her succumbing to Abbott’s influence and assisting him in his predatory actions.

As the sentences were handed down, Abbott stood with his eyes closed, showing no visible emotion as he received a 16-year term. Ward, visibly distressed, covered her mouth with her hand as she was sentenced to ten years. Both defendants were then handcuffed and led away to the cells, marking the conclusion of a case that uncovered long-buried trauma and brought justice for victims who had endured abuse for decades.

Prosecutor Karl Scholz highlighted that although Abbott and Ward believed their past offences had been hidden, the victims had come forward to reveal the truth. Defense lawyers, Desmond Lennon for Abbott and Dafydd Roberts for Ward, argued that their clients had moved on with their lives, with Ward having divorced Abbott many years ago. Lennon maintained that Abbott did not accept the allegations, while Roberts pointed out the history of control and intimidation exerted by Abbott over Ward, suggesting her current life was a result of past coercion and influence.