CHRIS WILLIAMSON'S SHOCKING REPEATED OFFENSES IN WIRRAL RETAIL PARK
In August 2020, a disturbing series of indecent exposures involving Chris Williamson, a known offender from Wirral, unfolded at a retail park in Bromborough.Williamson, aged 54, who has a long and troubling history of sexual offenses, was involved in two separate incidents that shocked shoppers and staff alike.
The first incident occurred on Saturday, December 19 of the previous year, inside a Sports Direct store located at Croft Retail Park.
Witnesses reported that Williamson approached a female customer who was assisting a vulnerable individual.
Initially, she believed he merely wanted to pass by, but her concern grew when she noticed his genitals were exposed.
The victim promptly alerted store staff, who then contacted the police.
CCTV footage confirmed Williamson's presence in the store, and images of him leaving the premises were circulated among officers.
Despite efforts to locate him, Williamson was identified and tracked down through CCTV footage from Halfords and other surveillance sources at the retail park.
Less than two months later, on the afternoon of Sunday, February 2, Williamson struck again at the same retail location, this time inside the H&M store.
According to the prosecution, both a man and a woman observed Williamson in the disabled changing room, where he was reportedly naked from the waist down.
Although the curtain was drawn, it was noted that it was only partially closed, leaving a gap near the floor.
The male witness saw Williamson emerge from the changing room, carrying more T-shirts, before re-entering.
Concerned for the safety of nearby young girls, the witness approached to check if Williamson was still inside.
He then saw Williamson again in the same changing room, still partially exposed, with his hand near his crotch.
The witness quickly warned the young girls to move away and informed store staff of the situation.
Meanwhile, the female victim managed to follow Williamson and took a photograph of him on her mobile phone.
CCTV footage from H&M, along with a photograph of Williamson’s convertible car parked outside, was circulated to police officers.
Following these incidents, Williamson was arrested and brought in for questioning on February 26.
During the interview, he denied the allegations, claiming he could not recall being at either location or exposing himself.
He also expressed uncertainty about whether the man in the photograph was him.
Despite his denials, Williamson admitted to two counts of exposure.
His criminal record reveals a pattern of similar offenses, including convictions for exposure in 1987 and 1988, and a 40-month prison sentence in 2009 for sexual assault and causing a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
Further convictions include exposure in 2013, outraging public decency in 2014, two counts of exposure in 2015, and another exposure in 2016.
Most recently, in 2018, he was jailed for 14 months for three counts of exposure and was still under post-licence supervision at the time of these latest offenses.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution highlighted Williamson’s extensive and troubling history, emphasizing that he had previously been convicted multiple times for similar offenses.
His defense acknowledged his “appalling” past and conceded that he was aware he was likely to face imprisonment.
Judge Garret Byrne, presiding over the case at Liverpool Crown Court, expressed his concern about Williamson’s repeated behavior.
The judge stated that he had little confidence that incarceration alone would deter Williamson from reoffending, given his history of failed interventions such as probation and suspended sentences.
Judge Byrne described Williamson’s actions as causing significant anxiety and disgust among witnesses and the public.
He criticized Williamson for his apparent inability or unwillingness to reflect on the impact of his behavior.
The judge reviewed a report indicating that Williamson exhibited a clear pattern of dismissive attitude towards previous supervision efforts and lacked remorse or insight into his actions.
Despite considering a custodial sentence, Judge Byrne decided to take a chance on Williamson, opting for a suspended sentence of 14 months, which would only be activated if he reoffended within the next two years.
The judge also ordered Williamson to complete 35 sessions of a sex offenders treatment program and a 30-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, emphasizing the seriousness of his conduct and the potential consequences if he failed to comply.
Williamson, who resides on Shore Road in Caldy, Wirral, responded with a mumble of “Yes” when asked if he understood the court’s conditions.
The court’s decision underscores the ongoing challenge of managing repeat offenders with a history of sexual misconduct, especially when previous measures have proven ineffective in preventing reoffending.
