MARIE WILLIAMS FROM HORDEN ESCAPES IMMEDIATE JAIL AFTER SEX WITH 13-YEAR-OLD BOY IN DURHAM

In a case that has shocked the local community, Marie Williams, a 37-year-old woman from Horden, faced a court hearing in Durham regarding her involvement in a disturbing sexual relationship with a 13-year-old boy. The incident, which took place in July 2005, involved Williams engaging in sexual activity with the young boy on two separate occasions, with the first incident occurring after she had given him alcohol, despite knowing his health condition.

The court was informed that Williams was aware of the boy’s medical condition—he suffered from asthma—and that giving him alcohol posed serious health risks. The first encounter happened in a wooded dene early one morning, where she seduced the boy after providing him with alcohol. The boy became so ill from the alcohol that he required two days of hospitalization. The second incident occurred about a week later at her residence in Horden, where the sexual activity was again consensual but was carried out despite her knowledge of his age.

Prosecutor Stephen Orange highlighted that Williams was fully aware of the boy’s age and repeatedly warned him not to tell anyone about what had transpired, threatening that she would be 'put away' if he did. The boy’s parents grew suspicious when Williams asked to take their son shopping but refused to let him go with her. They noticed a change in his attitude, including disrespectfulness and a shift in behavior, which prompted further concern.

Following the second incident, the boy attempted to harm himself, claiming he was confused about what had happened. Eventually, he confided in his parents, who then reported the matter to the police. Williams was subsequently arrested and taken into custody. During police questioning, she chose not to respond to the charges but was formally charged with two counts of sexual activity with a child. She also asked for two counts of indecently touching the boy to be considered in her case.

Williams, who resides on Smillie Road in Horden, was known to have a previously good character. She admitted to the charges during an earlier hearing, and her legal team requested that the court consider her mental health issues and difficult background, including a history of abusive relationships. It was revealed that following her arrest, Williams spent ten days in a psychiatric hospital ward. Her legal representative, Jane Waugh, expressed remorse on her behalf, emphasizing her psychiatric difficulties and her regret for her actions.

Judge Esmond Faulks addressed the court, condemning the behavior as wholly unacceptable in a civilized society. While acknowledging the serious nature of the offenses and the significant age difference between Williams and the boy, the judge decided that a custodial sentence was necessary but chose to suspend it due to her personal circumstances. Williams was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, she was placed under supervision for two years and mandated to sign the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years, reflecting the gravity of her misconduct and the need for ongoing monitoring.