WILLIAM WILLIAMSON'S HORRIFIC ABUSE IN HOUSTON: PENSIONER SENTENCED FOR YEARS OF CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In June 2017, a disturbing case unfolded involving William Williamson, an 87-year-old man from Houston, who was convicted and sentenced for a prolonged period of child sexual abuse. The heinous acts began when the victim was only seven years old and continued over several years, leaving a lasting scar on her life.

Williamson was sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of subjecting the young girl to a series of depraved assaults. The court heard that Williamson had engaged in a pattern of inappropriate and lewd behavior, which he bizarrely claimed was part of a game. During the proceedings at Paisley Sheriff Court, Williamson appeared alongside his elderly wife, who was visibly distressed. The court also ordered him to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a decade, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Sheriff David Pender acknowledged the complexities of Williamson’s health and lack of prior criminal record but emphasized that the impact on the victim was paramount. He stated, “She suffered your unwelcome advances. I have to have regard for the impact these offences have had on your victim. In my view, I can only deal with this offence in one way.”

The court was informed that Williamson had initially dismissed his actions as a “game,” specifically referring to a disturbing activity he called “slap, nip or tickle,” which he claimed started when the girl was around seven years old. Prosecutor Keri Marshall explained that Williamson would enter the girl’s bedroom, sit beside her bed, and touch her inappropriately. Over time, the girl believed these acts to be normal, only realizing their severity as she matured.

As the girl grew older, the abuse intensified, despite her attempts to stop it. She demonstrated her awareness of the wrongfulness of Williamson’s actions by writing a heartfelt letter to him while in primary six, stating, “I know this is sexual harassment. It needs to stop.” The court heard that Williamson responded to her letter with threats, warning her that if anyone found out, he would face jail. He told her, “No-one could find out,” and that it was to be their “little secret.”

The abuse was finally exposed when the girl, around 14 years old, became withdrawn, anxious, and started self-harming by slashing her knuckles with a razor blade. Her family’s concern grew as her behavior changed dramatically, and she confided in her father during an argument, revealing that her childhood had ended when Williamson began abusing her for years. Despite this, she initially hesitated to pursue legal action due to trauma and fear.

Her family decided to move away from the area and sever all contact with Williamson. It was only when she reached approximately 19 years of age, during her time at university, that she decided to report the abuse to the police. Her decision was influenced by her academic pursuits and a desire for justice, as she realized Williamson could no longer be allowed to harm others.

When police interviewed Williamson in August of the previous year, he attempted to justify his actions, claiming that his behavior was part of a game. He admitted to touching the girl inappropriately, stating that she was giggling and laughing, and that he believed she was enjoying it. Williamson told officers, “She was giggling and laughing. I got the wrong idea, but she was enjoying it. She never ran away squealing after the first time or anything like that. It’s something she actually enjoyed. I thought so anyway.”

Williamson ultimately pleaded guilty to charges of lewd, indecent, and libidinous practices involving a young girl, covering the period from October 2004 to October 2008 at his residence and another location. The court’s sentencing was emotional; Williamson’s wife broke down in tears but expressed her intention to stand by him despite the circumstances. The case highlights the devastating impact of long-term abuse and the importance of justice for victims of such heinous crimes.