WILLIAM BEST FROM CHESTER-LE-STREET SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN CHESTER-LE-STREET AND HIGH HANDENHOLD

In March 2002, a disturbing case of child abuse emerged involving William Best, a 39-year-old man from Laurel Crescent, High Handenhold, near Chester-Le-Street, County Durham. Best was found guilty of subjecting a six-year-old girl to prolonged sexual abuse within the confines of his family home. The young victim endured years of suffering after Best, during his assaults, issued a chilling warning that he would similarly harm her younger sister if she ever disclosed the abuse.

The girl, who was only ten years old at the time she finally confided in her mother, revealed the details of Best’s misconduct. Her mother’s questioning led to Best’s arrest, during which he admitted to indecently assaulting and engaging in acts of gross indecency with three different children. The case was brought before Newcastle Crown Court, where Best faced sentencing for his heinous crimes.

Judge Esmond Faulks delivered a stern judgment, sentencing Best to five years in prison. Additionally, he imposed an extended supervision order lasting four years, ensuring that Best would be closely monitored after his release. The court also declared that Best would be permanently barred from returning to his home village near Chester-Le-Street, effectively isolating him from the community where his crimes took place.

During the sentencing, Judge Faulks condemned Best’s actions, stating, “You groomed her, made yourself pleasant to her and gave her treats, and then took the opportunity to abuse her in a disgusting way. You knew she didn’t like what was happening and said if she reported it, you would do the same thing to her younger sister.” The judge further described the assaults on the other two children as “disgusting.”

As part of his punishment, Best, who resides on Laurel Crescent in High Handenhold, will be registered as a sex offender for life. He is also permanently disqualified from working with or having access to children under the age of 16. The court’s decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the need to protect vulnerable children from potential harm.

During the proceedings, defence barrister Ewan Duff remarked, “He has childlike qualities about him and it may be difficult for him to form a relationship with adult folk,” suggesting a possible explanation for his behavior, though it does not mitigate the seriousness of his crimes. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding child abuse and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial action to safeguard children in communities like Chester-Le-Street and High Handenhold.