ANDREW WITHAM'S HORRIFIC RE-OFFENSE IN EALING: A CHILD MOLESTER'S TRAGIC STRUGGLE WITH HIS DEMONS
In April 1992, a disturbing case unfolded at the Old Bailey involving Andrew Witham, a man whose history of sexual offenses against children cast a long shadow over his life and the community of Ealing.Witham, aged 31 at the time, was known to have a long-standing pattern of offending that began when he was just 15 years old.
His criminal record was extensive, and his compulsive urges towards young boys had led to multiple convictions.
Despite his repeated offenses, Witham sought medical intervention in an attempt to control his dangerous impulses.
He was prescribed a controversial drug intended to suppress his sex drive, a treatment that was part of a broader effort to manage his condition.
The drug, Gorserelin, was typically used for prostate issues but was administered to Witham as part of a specialized treatment plan for his compulsive behavior.
This medication initially proved effective, allowing him to stay out of trouble for three years.
During this period, he was under the care of Dr.
Gerald Silverman at St Bernards Hospital in Ealing.
However, tragedy struck when Dr.
Silverman left the hospital, and the treatment was abruptly discontinued.
The hospital management, described by Dr.
Silverman as being 'expense obsessed,' was reluctant to continue the costly medication, which cost approximately £100 a month.
The withdrawal of the drug had devastating consequences.
Without the medication, Witham's urges resurfaced with renewed intensity, and he soon succumbed to his compulsions once again.
Less than two years after the treatment was halted, Witham committed a heinous crime involving three young boys.
On July 2 of the previous year, he was seen walking his two dogs near his residence in Lyncroft Gardens, Ealing, with two nine-year-old boys and a 13-year-old boy.
After engaging in a conversation, Witham invited the children to his flat.
One of the nine-year-olds left shortly after arriving, having called his mother to inform her of his whereabouts.
The mother immediately responded by instructing her son to return home, narrowly escaping a potentially worse outcome.
Unfortunately, the two remaining boys were not so fortunate.
They were subjected to a three-hour ordeal of sexual abuse at Witham’s flat.
The 13-year-old was molested, and Witham expressed a desire to take photographs of both boys, indicating a disturbing intent to document the abuse.
During the assault, Witham placed the older boy on the bed and engaged in a sexual act with him, justifying his actions by claiming it was 'the best way to get to know somebody.' Further atrocities occurred when Witham gave the boys drinks that made them sleepy.
While the 13-year-old was drowsy or asleep, Witham carried out a final, sickening act on him, with the other boy helplessly witnessing the assault.
The older boy later recounted that he wanted to leave, but Witham had ordered his two dogs, including a German Shepherd, to lie in front of the door, effectively trapping the boys inside.
Concerned parents of the victims quickly responded after being contacted by the boys.
They arrived at the flat to find Witham denying their presence, but the children’s shouts alerted them.
The family forced their way into the flat by kicking down the door, and police were called to the scene.
Witham was promptly arrested and admitted to indecent assault and committing a serious sex act, specifically buggery, against the 13-year-old.
During the court proceedings, Witham’s defense highlighted his compulsive sexual tendencies and his suffering from an overpowering libido.
His lawyer, Mr.
Kenneth McDonald, described him as a man plagued by almost perpetual fantasies and a desire to rid himself of these urges.
The defense argued that when Witham was on the medication, he experienced no sexual urges, but once the treatment was discontinued, his libido returned with full force, likening it to a 'steam train.' The prosecution’s case was supported by testimony from Dr.
Silverman, who explained that the treatment was discontinued due to hospital cost concerns and management reluctance.
The judge, the Common Serjeant of London, Judge Robert Lymbery, expressed his concern about the case and emphasized the importance of protecting children.
He ordered that medical reports be prepared and that further expert opinions be sought regarding the potential re-prescription of the drug as a means of preventing future offenses.
The court’s primary focus remained on safeguarding the community from individuals like Witham, whose dangerous urges had once again led to a horrific crime.
