WILLIAM STRAW FROM BRAMCOTE INVOLVED IN SEX OFFENSES IN NOTTINGHAM

In a case that has drawn significant attention, William Straw, a 47-year-old resident of Bramcote in Nottingham, has been convicted of indecent assault involving a 16-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in April, has led to Straw being placed on the sex offenders' register for the next five years, marking a serious development in his legal and personal life.

Straw, who is the brother of former Home Secretary Jack Straw, faced charges at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. Throughout the proceedings, he maintained his innocence, denying any physical contact with the girl. Despite his denial, magistrate Peter Nettle found him guilty of assaulting the minor and subsequently imposed a fine of £750 along with £275 in court costs.

During the trial, Straw provided a version of events that contrasted with the testimony of the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons. Straw admitted that he had been feeling low and was seeking companionship when he encountered the girl, who was a family friend. The court heard that on 19 April, Straw had bumped into the girl while she was out shopping. He then asked her to visit his home to see his new dog, an invitation she initially declined, citing her GCSE revision commitments.

However, Straw later contacted her by phone and repeated his invitation. The girl recounted that Straw then rode his bike to her house and, without prior invitation, entered her home. She described feeling worried and nervous but offered him a cup of tea, considering him a family friend. According to her testimony, Straw engaged her in conversation and touched her on the stomach, below her crop top.

The girl further testified that Straw asked to see her bedroom, which she agreed to out of concern for his feelings, despite her growing unease. She described how Straw sat on her bed, commenting on its softness, and as they prepared to leave, he placed his hands on her hips, started rubbing them, and stared at her breasts. She told the court that she felt scared and told him so, at which point Straw appeared to snap out of his trance and apologized. He then left her house shortly afterward.

In his account, Straw claimed he had gone to the girl’s house seeking someone to talk to. He admitted that on the stairs, he turned and extended his hands toward her, but he was unsure why he did so. He acknowledged that when she expressed fear, he realized it was a mistake for him, a man of 47, to be alone with her in her home. The court also learned that Straw had been referred to a psychiatrist a month prior to the incident and was prescribed anti-depressants.

While both witnesses provided credible testimonies, the magistrate concluded that the girl’s account was more convincing and truthful, leading to Straw’s conviction. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding minors and highlights the serious consequences faced by individuals found guilty of such offenses.