KENNETH WILLIAMS JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES IN MIDDLESBROUGH AND THORNABY
| Red Rose Database
Middlesbrough Thornaby Sexual Abuser
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Middlesbrough and Thornaby, Kenneth Charles Williams, a former Boys’ Brigade captain, has been convicted of serious sexual offences committed decades ago. Despite his conviction, Williams continues to deny all allegations, maintaining his innocence even after a jury at Teesside Crown Court found him guilty of multiple charges.
Williams, who resides on Scalby Square in Thornaby, was found guilty in March of 11 counts of indecent assault along with one additional serious sexual offence. The court sentenced him to a prison term of seven years yesterday, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for his victims.
The crimes in question date back approximately forty years, when Williams was living in Middlesbrough. The allegations involve two boys who suffered abuse at his hands during different periods of their lives. The first victim, now a man in his forties and a married father, recounted how Williams subjected him to repeated sexual assaults despite the boy’s pleas for him to stop and leave him alone. The victim described feeling terrified during these incidents, which Williams dismissed at the time as “a bit of fun.” It was only years later that he felt able to speak out, having previously been overwhelmed by fear, intimidation, confusion, and embarrassment.
The second complainant had already endured sexual abuse earlier in his life. Williams was accused of repeatedly assaulting him during his teenage years. Williams, however, claimed that the allegations were fabricated by the victims, though he was unable to provide any explanation for why they would lie.
During the sentencing hearing, defense lawyer John Gillette argued that Williams maintained his innocence and described his client as a man who is “totally exhausted and crushed.” Gillette highlighted Williams’s previous good character, noting his long history of hard work, including employment with the Post Office and Nacro. He also pointed out that Williams has ongoing medical issues that could require hospitalization. Additionally, Gillette suggested that one of the offences involving the second boy might no longer constitute a criminal offence, but the judge clarified that Williams had taken advantage of the victim regardless.
While Williams was permitted to see his grandchildren, the case has caused considerable tension within his family. Judge George Moorhouse emphasized the gravity of the offences during sentencing, stating, “I am satisfied that each of these offences is so serious as to justify a custodial sentence.” The judge also imposed a lifelong ban on Williams working with children and issued a sexual offences prevention order. Furthermore, Williams will be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Detective Constable Sharon Husband from Cleveland Police commented on the case, saying, “No sentence will justify their experience at the hands of Williams, but now the victims can lay this to rest.” She was praised by the victims outside the court for her role in bringing justice. The first victim expressed a desire for a longer sentence, stating, “He certainly deserved what he got, without any shadow of a doubt.” The second victim expressed satisfaction with the outcome but also felt the judge’s sentence was somewhat lenient, remarking, “I’m quite happy with the sentence but at the same time I think the judge was slightly lenient.”
Williams, who resides on Scalby Square in Thornaby, was found guilty in March of 11 counts of indecent assault along with one additional serious sexual offence. The court sentenced him to a prison term of seven years yesterday, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for his victims.
The crimes in question date back approximately forty years, when Williams was living in Middlesbrough. The allegations involve two boys who suffered abuse at his hands during different periods of their lives. The first victim, now a man in his forties and a married father, recounted how Williams subjected him to repeated sexual assaults despite the boy’s pleas for him to stop and leave him alone. The victim described feeling terrified during these incidents, which Williams dismissed at the time as “a bit of fun.” It was only years later that he felt able to speak out, having previously been overwhelmed by fear, intimidation, confusion, and embarrassment.
The second complainant had already endured sexual abuse earlier in his life. Williams was accused of repeatedly assaulting him during his teenage years. Williams, however, claimed that the allegations were fabricated by the victims, though he was unable to provide any explanation for why they would lie.
During the sentencing hearing, defense lawyer John Gillette argued that Williams maintained his innocence and described his client as a man who is “totally exhausted and crushed.” Gillette highlighted Williams’s previous good character, noting his long history of hard work, including employment with the Post Office and Nacro. He also pointed out that Williams has ongoing medical issues that could require hospitalization. Additionally, Gillette suggested that one of the offences involving the second boy might no longer constitute a criminal offence, but the judge clarified that Williams had taken advantage of the victim regardless.
While Williams was permitted to see his grandchildren, the case has caused considerable tension within his family. Judge George Moorhouse emphasized the gravity of the offences during sentencing, stating, “I am satisfied that each of these offences is so serious as to justify a custodial sentence.” The judge also imposed a lifelong ban on Williams working with children and issued a sexual offences prevention order. Furthermore, Williams will be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Detective Constable Sharon Husband from Cleveland Police commented on the case, saying, “No sentence will justify their experience at the hands of Williams, but now the victims can lay this to rest.” She was praised by the victims outside the court for her role in bringing justice. The first victim expressed a desire for a longer sentence, stating, “He certainly deserved what he got, without any shadow of a doubt.” The second victim expressed satisfaction with the outcome but also felt the judge’s sentence was somewhat lenient, remarking, “I’m quite happy with the sentence but at the same time I think the judge was slightly lenient.”