BILLY WARD FROM KENDAL AND NEWBURY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL

In March 2018, a man from Kendal was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a teenage girl. The individual, identified as landscape gardener Billy Charles Ward, aged 28, received his sentence at Carlisle Crown Court following a series of serious allegations concerning his conduct towards a victim who was in her early teens.

Prior to the sentencing, Ward, who was previously residing in Newbury, Berkshire, had admitted to five charges related to sexual activity with a minor. During the court proceedings, he was visibly emotional, weeping in the dock as the court outlined the details of his criminal behavior. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the offenses and the age of the victim.

In a poignant letter presented during the proceedings, the victim expressed her emotional turmoil, stating, “I can’t say how I will feel about this in the future. Right now I just want it to be over.” This statement underscored the lasting impact of Ward’s actions on the young girl.

Ward’s legal representative described him as having shown “palpable remorse both for what he has done and the impact he has caused,” suggesting some level of regret for his conduct. However, the judge, Barbara Forrester, was clear in her condemnation, describing Ward’s actions as “total selfish exploitation” of the girl.

As part of his sentence, Ward, who resides on Serpentine Road in Kendal, was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register and to comply with a sexual harm prevention order, both of which are to remain in effect indefinitely. Additionally, his case will be reported to the Independent Safeguarding Authority, ensuring ongoing monitoring and safeguarding measures are in place to protect the community from future harm.