WILLIAM CHAWKLEY SENTENCED IN CREWKERNE FOR HORRIFIC RAPE AND ASSAULTS

A man responsible for heinous acts of sexual violence that shattered the lives of two women has been formally sentenced to a lengthy prison term. William Chawkley, a resident of Court Barton in Crewkerne, was convicted of multiple serious crimes, including rape and assault, following a comprehensive legal process. The verdict was reached unanimously by the jury in March, confirming his guilt on numerous counts.

Chawkley, aged 40, faced the court at Taunton Crown Court, which is situated within the North Somerset Courthouse complex. The sentencing took place on Thursday, May 8, and marked the culmination of a case that spanned several years. The court found him guilty of 11 counts of rape, alongside additional charges of assault by penetration, sexual assault, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault causing actual bodily harm. These offences were committed over a period stretching from the mid-2010s to the mid-2020s, targeting two women who endured his brutal actions.

The severity of Chawkley's crimes was reflected in the sentence handed down by the judge, who sentenced him to a total of 24 years in prison. This substantial term underscores the gravity of his offences and the impact they have had on the victims' lives.

One of the victims, who chose to give a statement during the proceedings, expressed her emotional relief upon hearing the verdict. She recounted her feelings, saying, “When I was told Chalkley had been found guilty, I burst into tears. I was so relieved to hear those words.”

She further explained her motivation for pursuing justice, stating, “One of the main reasons why I wanted to pursue this case was so he could not hurt another woman and to get justice for those of us who had been affected by his behaviour and his crimes. I feel this has now been achieved.”

The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system to hold perpetrators accountable and to provide some measure of closure for victims of sexual violence. The community in Crewkerne and beyond can only hope that such justice serves as a deterrent to others contemplating similar crimes.