HARRI WILLIAMS FROM WALLASEY JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE STUDENT IN MERSEYSIDE AND WIRRAL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Harri Williams, a teacher from Wallasey, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student. The incidents took place in the Wirral and Merseyside areas, highlighting a disturbing abuse of authority by a man entrusted with the education and well-being of young pupils.

According to court proceedings, Williams, aged 43 and a father of two, exploited his position at a local school to carry out a series of inappropriate encounters with the teenage girl. The misconduct included secret meetings in his office, where the teacher and student would kiss and fondle each other. These clandestine meetings eventually escalated to sexual activity, with the pair meeting outside school hours for dates that included bowling, cinema visits, and meals at restaurants before engaging in sexual acts in Williams' car.

The prosecution, led by Kim Egerton, revealed that the girl had harbored feelings for Williams for up to two years prior to their relationship turning physical. Her infatuation culminated at a school prom last year, where she took the opportunity to kiss him while seated next to him. Following this, Williams continued to pursue her, and their relationship deepened through various outings and ultimately sexual encounters.

The girl confided in her friends, which led to her mother being informed. The school authorities were then made aware of the situation, leading to Williams' suspension. Despite this, he persisted in his relationship with the girl, even after being suspended from his teaching duties. The case came to light when the girl’s friends shared their concerns, prompting an investigation that uncovered the full extent of Williams' misconduct.

Williams was arrested and subsequently admitted to police that he had engaged in sexual activity with the girl. During the court hearing, the victim chose not to give a victim impact statement but expressed her feelings, stating, “I now think that what he did was wrong but he did not force me to do anything I did not want to do or tell me to keep anything secret.”

He faced multiple charges, including seven counts of sexual activity with a child while in a position of authority and one count of inciting sexual activity. His defense argued that he had lost everything—his career and reputation—and acknowledged his wrongdoing, with his lawyer, Lawrence Lee, stating, “No sentence will compare to his self-imposed sentence. He has lost his career and damaged his life. He was born to teach and all that has been taken away.”

Judge Thomas Teague, QC, delivered the verdict, condemning Williams for abusing his role as an educator. The judge emphasized that the girl was clearly infatuated with him and that Williams exploited her feelings, engaging in sexual contact on school premises and continuing their relationship even after suspension. The judge remarked on Williams’ professional achievements but expressed disappointment at his actions, which ultimately ended his career.

Williams, of Northcote Road, Wallasey Village, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years. He also acknowledged his guilt and expressed remorse, stating to his probation officer, “There are no excuses. I crossed the line. In the cold light of day I knew what I was doing. I was old enough to be her father. I will fall on my sword. I will be struck off.”

Earlier in November 2013, Williams had admitted to having a six-month affair with the same girl following their prom night, which involved kissing and sexual activity. He pleaded guilty to eight counts of breaching trust and engaging in sexual acts with a minor, including touching her sexually in his car and office. The court heard that the relationship persisted even after Williams was suspended from his teaching position, which he had held for 18 years. Williams, who was described as a man of previous good character, was granted bail but was ordered not to contact the victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons. His sentencing is scheduled for December 16 at Liverpool Crown Court.