Stuart Williams, 57, sent explicit messages and pictures to what he thought were 12 and 13-year-old girls and arranged to meet them. However, he was actually speaking to undercover police officers posing as children. He was also convicted of historic sexual offences.
A former school caretaker who was unmasked as a ‘despicable paedophile’ after attempting to groom young girls online has been sentenced to 12 years behind bars.
Stuart Williams sent explicit messages and images to what he believed were 12 and 13 year old girls and organised meetings with them. Yet the 57-year-old was actually communicating with undercover police officers pretending to be children – including on one occasion whilst he was on bail.
When Williams’ mobile was subsequently analysed following his arrest, officers discovered five category B indecent images of children, and 34 category C indecent images of children. Investigators also interviewed three women who had reported historic sexual offences perpetrated by Williams.
A fourth, adult victim also stepped forward and revealed sexual offences committed by Williams. These crimes occurred in Penwortham and Lytham, one of which whilst he was employed as a school caretaker.
Williams, previously of Moore Street, Blackpool was charged with 17 sexual offences, including multiple instances of assault against girls under the age of 14 and one of an attempted rape of an under 16, reports Lancs Live.
He denied the charges, entering not guilty pleas and forcing a 12-day trial. Throughout that trial, Williams accidentally confessed to a further two offences of creating indecent images of children whilst he was testifying.
A jury saw through his deception in just three hours and convicted him of all the charges. He returned to the dock at Preston Crown Court, where he received a 12-year sentence.
Lancashire Police stated that as Williams’ crimes occurred prior to current legislation, and he received sentencing under the laws that were in force when his offences took place. All of his victims submitted personal impact statements to the court, demonstrating the enduring consequences of Williams’ actions upon them.
One victim stated: “This experience has had a profound and lasting effect on my life. Although the court case has concluded, the impact of Williams actions has not. I continue to live with the emotional and psychological consequences every day.
“The assault has affected my sense of safety, my independence, my mental health, and my ability to live a normal life. These effects are ongoing and will remain with me for the foreseeable future.”
Another victim stated: “For years, I didn’t report it. I thought my trauma wasn’t ‘bad enough’ compared to others. But I know now it was. It mattered. And I feel guilt. Guilt that by staying silent, I might have allowed him to hurt others. That thought haunts me.
“Stuart, I hope you truly understand the devastation you caused. I hope you reflect on the lifelong harm you’ve inflicted-not just on me, but on others. And I hope you seek help for your deviant behaviour, because what you’ve done has destroyed lives.”
DC Hannah Sturgess from Preston CID commented: “Firstly, I want to mention the victims. Their courage and strength in coming forward and disclosing what Williams had done to them undoubtedly helped us bring him to justice.
“I hope they can now begin to move forward with their lives knowing that he is behind bars. Williams is a despicable paedophile.
“He preyed on people, some of whom were children and in one case abused his position of trust as a school employee. He was caught out messaging who he thought were children online.
“I am thankful that these people were in fact highly-trained police officers, meaning that Williams couldn’t abuse more children online. I’m grateful to my Regional Organised Crime Unit colleagues in the North West and South Wales for their work during this investigation.
“I want to send a message to anyone reading this today who may be a victim of any sexual offence. Please know that if you make a report to us, we will listen to you, we will investigate appropriately and we will do all we can to get you justice.”
DI Jon Weir from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit stated: “This case demonstrates that those who exploit or harm children, whether online or in person, will be relentlessly pursued and held to account. No offender is invisible behind a screen.
“Our officers work tirelessly with partners across the UK to identify those who pose a threat to children and ensure they face justice. Sexual abuse recognises no boundaries, and its impact can last a lifetime.
“If you or someone you know is being abused, please speak out. Support is available, and your information could protect a child from further harm.”
DI Rich Davies, from Tarian ROCU, stated: “It is our absolute priority to protect the children in our communities, and I am grateful to our colleagues in Lancashire Constabulary for their meticulous investigation into this appalling case. The sentencing of Stuart Williams, a highly dangerous sexual predator, will serve as a warning to others, and help ensure that vulnerable children are protected from the risk he poses.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.