DANIEL WILLIAMS: OXFORD SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR BRUTAL ATTACK IN BEDFORD
A man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, Daniel Williams, has been handed a life sentence following a heinous assault on a woman walking home from a party.The incident took place in Bedford, but Williams, who hails from Oxford, was convicted of this serious crime after a thorough investigation and jury trial.
On the morning of January 17, 2022, a woman in her 30s was walking along Broham Road in Bedford when she was suddenly approached from behind by Williams.
The 36-year-old, who was living in Didcot at the time, cycled up behind her, and without warning, he grabbed her shoulders and forcibly pushed her onto a muddy area nearby.
According to court reports, Williams then threatened the victim, claiming that what he was about to do would be quick and instructing her not to call the police, adding an ominous tone to the already terrifying encounter.
The woman, in a state of distress, managed to raise the alarm by knocking on a nearby front door.
Her quick thinking and bravery were crucial in alerting authorities to the attack.
Law enforcement was able to identify Williams through DNA evidence, which was matched to a sample stored in the national database.
This evidence led to his arrest and subsequent conviction for rape by a jury.
Williams’s criminal history is extensive and troubling.
He was released from prison in 2019 after serving an indeterminate sentence for public protection, which was imposed following his conviction for stalking and attempting to rape a 23-year-old woman.
The court heard that Williams had followed the young woman to her home and tried to carry out the assault inside her residence.
During the struggle, the victim, described as a vulnerable, small-framed lady, fought back and managed to scratch his neck before he fled the scene.
His past convictions also include a 2002 sentence of four years for indecent assault and robbery involving a 64-year-old woman working in a charity shop.
Additionally, Williams had refused to leave the vulnerable prisoners’ wing at Bedford jail, leading to a separate sentence in his absence.
Prosecutor Alisdair Smith highlighted the predatory nature of Williams’s behavior, stating, “The evidence supports the suggestion he followed the complainant for some time.” The victim of the recent attack provided a personal statement, revealing the profound impact the assault has had on her daily life.
She expressed her ongoing fear of going out, hearing voices, and feeling insecure, which has persisted long after the incident.
Judge Geoffrey Payne described Williams as a “thoroughly dangerous sexual predator” and imposed a life sentence with a minimum term of six years before he can be considered for parole.
The judge emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “This was a predatory attack on a lone woman on her way home.
He left her lying in the mud.
He has a history of attacking complete strangers for his own gratification.
He poses a very high level of danger indeed.” Detective Constable Peta Simpson from Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team commented on the case, saying, “Williams was an opportunist offender who preyed on a lone woman before carrying out this appalling sexual assault.
Random attacks like these are extremely rare – but we will always relentlessly pursue the vile perpetrators of such abhorrent behavior.” She added, “The victim in this case has shown true courage to reach out for support from a member of the public and speak to officers, which helped to ensure Williams is facing a significant period behind bars.
Women deserve to feel safe in public spaces – they should not have to worry and they shouldn’t have to look over their shoulders.
We remain committed to ensuring predators like Williams are removed from our streets.”
