RAF MEDIC DANIEL WILLIAMS SENTENCED IN BARNET FOR SEX OFFENSES

In November 2007, Daniel Williams, a 20-year-old RAF serviceman from Lovelace Road, Barnet, Hertfordshire, was sentenced to participate in a three-year community program at the Sex Offenders Management Unit after being convicted of inciting a boy under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

Williams met the 13-year-old boy from Altrincham through internet chat rooms in 2005. Over several months, they exchanged messages, culminating in the victim performing a sexual act via webcam. Williams was identified following the installation of a monitoring software called Guardian Monitor by the boy's father on their home computer.

On November 16, 2005, authorities executed a warrant at Williams' last known address. His brother informed police that Williams was a trainee medic serving in the RAF. Later that day, Williams went to Wendover Police Station in Buckinghamshire, where he was arrested.

GMP officers, together with the RAF Special Investigations Section, searched Williams' room at RAF Halton and found various computer equipment. During questioning, Williams admitted to having contact with the boy through internet chat rooms and mobile phones over several months, claiming they had developed a strong relationship.

He acknowledged watching the boy perform a sex act via webcam on two occasions, stating he watched for about a minute each time but denied encouraging the activity. Forensic analysis of the boy’s computer revealed chat logs containing sexually explicit conversations and multiple webcam transmissions.

Williams was also convicted of perverting the course of justice after attempting to interfere with a witness. Detective Constable Paul Hatton, who led the investigation, commented, “This man used the internet to prey on a young vulnerable boy. He pretended to be his friend and then used that friendship to encourage him to perform sex acts. Children and parents must be reminded of some of the dangers of using chat rooms. Children using them should be aware that although someone they chat with may appear to be friendly, their motives may be of a sinister nature. Williams was caught as a direct result of the victim’s father monitoring his son’s internet activity. This successful conviction clearly demonstrates the importance of knowing what your children are doing online.”

As part of his sentence, Williams has been ordered to register as a sex offender.