WILLIAM HOWARD: ORMESBY AND ILFORD SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Ilford, Ormesby, and surrounding areas, William Howard, a 71-year-old man, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for a series of disturbing sexual offenses committed during his residence in Ilford between 1972 and 1981. The allegations, which spanned several decades, came to light after one of his victims bravely came forward in June 2010, prompting a detailed investigation that uncovered multiple instances of abuse.

According to court proceedings held at Snaresbrook Crown Court last Friday, Howard engaged in a series of heinous acts involving young girls, including a particularly disturbing incident where he played strip poker with a nine-year-old girl. The court heard that he also molested two other girls, aged nine and ten, during his time living in Ilford. These acts were described as deeply traumatic and involved inappropriate touching and coercive behavior.

One of the victims recounted how Howard had instructed her to sit on his lap and had touched her breasts, explicitly telling her to keep the incident a secret. He also forced her to touch him at his home in Ilford, further violating her trust and safety. Another girl was subjected to Howard showing her “how to kiss a boy,” with the warning that if she told anyone, she would be “in a lot of trouble.” These revelations paint a disturbing picture of Howard’s predatory behavior towards vulnerable children.

During the sentencing, Judge Louise Kamill addressed the court, emphasizing the emotional toll inflicted on the victims. She referenced the testimony of a girl who had been abused three times in Howard’s car, noting that she had managed to suppress her shame until recently but was compelled to relive her trauma during the trial. The judge expressed her concern that Howard’s actions extended beyond the initial victims, revealing that he had also abused other children. While acknowledging that these offenses may not be the most severe in their nature, she stressed that the young ages of the victims made the crimes particularly grave.

Judge Kamill explained that her sentencing was constrained by the legal guidelines in place at the time of the offenses, which are less stringent than current standards. Nevertheless, Howard was convicted last month by a jury on three counts of indecency with a child and eight counts of indecent assault. He was acquitted of one additional count of indecent assault. As part of his sentence, Howard will be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.

Howard’s criminal history includes residences in various locations over the years, such as Pirbright, North Wales, Collier Row in Romford, and Caister, Hemsby, and Ormesby in Great Yarmouth. He also worked as a security guard at Pontins in Hemsby, a detail that underscores the disturbing breach of trust involved in his offenses. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the ongoing need to protect vulnerable children from predators like William Howard.