CARNE WILLIAMS FROM BATH SENTENCED TO 30 MONTHS FOR GROOMING AND ENDANGERING A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a recent case heard at Bristol Crown Court, Carne Williams, aged 29, was sentenced to a term of 30 months in prison after admitting to serious charges related to the grooming and exploitation of a minor in Bath. The court was informed that Williams had developed a troubling relationship with a 15-year-old girl while he was living rough in Bath, a city known for its historic sites and vibrant community.

Over a period of three weeks, Williams engaged in manipulative and predatory behavior, befriending the young girl and encouraging her to run away from her home on three separate occasions. During these encounters, he exposed her to dangerous substances, including Class A drugs and alcohol, and introduced her to environments characterized by violence and criminal activity, including acquisitive crimes. His actions demonstrated a calculated effort to exploit her vulnerability and manipulate her into dangerous situations.

The investigation was significantly aided by Bath-based police officers working in collaboration with detectives from the broader investigation team. Their diligent efforts culminated in Williams being caught as he attempted to leave the Bath area with the girl, preventing further potential harm. The police response was swift and coordinated, highlighting the importance of local law enforcement working closely with specialized investigative units to protect at-risk youth.

During the sentencing, His Honour Judge Hart described Williams’ conduct as ‘predatory’ and ‘deplorable,’ emphasizing that his offenses targeted an already vulnerable child. The court also noted that Williams had an extensive criminal history, including multiple convictions for violence and breaches of public order. Notably, he had previously been sentenced to imprisonment for racially abusing an officer who had arrested him, indicating a pattern of concerning behavior.

Williams was given credit for his early guilty plea, which contributed to the reduction of his sentence. In addition to the 30 months imprisonment, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. Upon his release, he will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that restricts his access to children under the age of 18, aiming to mitigate the risk he poses to the community.

DC Neil Wood, who was involved in the case, commented on the severity of Williams’ actions: “Williams took considerable advantage of a vulnerable 15-year-old child, exposed them to considerable risk, and succeeded in luring them away from their home on three separate occasions. His actions were intentional and brazen, and he displayed little remorse for the effect that he has had on the child or their family. His plans to run away were only thwarted through the determined efforts of Bath’s local police officers, working with detectives to track them down. We hope that the jail term and the orders granted today will significantly reduce the risk he poses to other children, allowing him to be effectively managed upon his release.”