WILLIAM WILSON OF MARGATE SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE IN THANET

In a significant legal development, William Wilson, a 61-year-old man formerly residing on Westbrook Avenue in Margate, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses. The crimes, which spanned over a decade, involved the abuse of young girls in the Thanet area, with the earliest incidents dating back to the 1970s.

Wilson's criminal activities included the rape of two girls who were under the age of 16 at the time of the offenses. The allegations against him encompass a total of seven charges, which include four counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault, and one count of sexual assault. Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty, Wilson was convicted by a jury after a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

The court proceedings revealed the disturbing nature of the crimes, which took place between 1976 and 1986. The victims, whose identities remain protected, endured years of suffering before finally seeing justice served. The judge sentenced Wilson to 22 years in prison, reflecting the gravity of his offenses and the impact on the victims' lives.

The case has garnered significant attention in the local community of Margate and the wider Thanet district, highlighting the importance of addressing historical abuse cases and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable, regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes occurred.