DANIEL WILLIAMSON'S HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN GREENOCK AND PORT GLASGOW REVEALED

In October 2014, a disturbing case of child sexual abuse came to light involving Daniel Williamson, a 33-year-old man with connections to Greenock and Port Glasgow. The allegations detailed a series of heinous acts committed over several years, beginning in 1997, at various addresses in these towns. Williamson was accused of abusing two young girls, one of whom was just five years old at the time of the initial incidents.

The abuse was particularly sinister because Williamson targeted the children while they were engaged in seemingly innocent activities, such as playing computer games. One of the victims, now aged 19, recounted her traumatic experience in court, describing how she was asked to keep Williamson company while playing PlayStation in his bedroom. She explained that Williamson would set up the console and then show her how to play, all the while clutching her leg inappropriately. The girl revealed that Williamson threatened her by saying that her grandad would die if she told anyone about what was happening, emphasizing that it was their secret. She also remembered his heavy breathing during these encounters.

The investigation was triggered when one of the girls confided in her mother about the abuse at age 16. This disclosure prompted police action, leading to a formal investigation. During the proceedings, the Crown presented three charges against Williamson, all of which he denied. The first charge alleged that between April 1997 and April 2000, Williamson engaged in lewd, indecent, and libidinous conduct towards a girl aged between four and six at a residence in Grant Street, Greenock. The second charge accused him of similar conduct against another girl, aged between four and seven, at the same address from February 2000 to February 2002. The third charge involved abuse against the same girl, now aged between eight and nine, at a property on Lilybank Road in Port Glasgow, between February 2004 and February 2005.

Throughout the two-day hearing at Greenock Sheriff Court, the victims bravely took the stand to describe their ordeals. Their testimonies were so distressing that some family members were visibly upset and left the courtroom in tears. The girls’ mothers also provided evidence, confirming that their daughters had been at the respective addresses during the times of the alleged abuse, which occurred without the knowledge of Williamson’s relatives present at the homes.

A police officer testified about conducting a video identity parade, during which both girls separately identified Williamson from photographs of nine men. The victims described how Williamson would take them upstairs, make them play the PlayStation, and inappropriately touch them. One girl stated, “He used to take me up the stairs and make me play the PlayStation and touch me inappropriately,” while the other said, “He sexually abused me, he took my childhood.”

Summarizing the case, Crown prosecutor Pamela Brady highlighted the pattern of abuse and its escalation over time. She emphasized the fear and secrecy imposed on the victims, noting that one girl only disclosed the abuse when she was 16, after realizing it was wrong. The court was informed that Williamson’s mental health was a significant factor; multiple reports from psychologists concluded he was unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues. Defense lawyer John McElroy confirmed this, stating that both the defense and Crown agreed on Williamson’s mental unfitness.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton acknowledged the lengthy timeline of the offenses, some dating back 17 years, and recognized the challenges in recalling events over such a period. Nevertheless, he found the victims’ testimonies to be clear and convincing, and he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Williamson had committed the crimes. The court ordered additional medical and mental health assessments before sentencing, which is scheduled for the following month. As part of the legal consequences, Williamson has been placed on the sex offenders register, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the impact on the victims.