PETER WILLIAMS, PRESTATYN, JAILED FOR INDECENT IMAGES OF GIRLS AGED 7 TO 11

In July 2014, Peter Gwynfryn Williams, a 56-year-old former prison officer from Prestatyn, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for possessing indecent images of young girls aged between 7 and 11. Williams, who had previously resigned from a partnership in a funeral business following his arrest, was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Mold Crown Court heard that Williams had a prior conviction from 2008, when he was jailed for four and a half years for similar offences—including the sexual assault of a child—at York Crown Court. Despite this, after his release, he resumed viewing images of child sexual abuse.

Williams pleaded guilty to six charges of making and possessing indecent images of children, which violated a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) previously imposed on him. During his defence, his barrister stated that Williams could not comprehend why he had relapsed into such activities and believed he required treatment for a condition he saw as an illness.

However, the judge emphasized that Williams had previously been given a chance at therapy but had reoffended, leading to the decision for immediate custody. A new indefinite SOPO was imposed, and he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Prosecutor Emmalyne Downing explained that the original SOPO restricted Williams’ internet usage and prohibited him from accessing or downloading images of children. Nonetheless, police discovered that his internet connection was involved in obtaining child pornography. A search warrant executed at his residence in January of the previous year uncovered 269 images, with search terms like “Lolita” and “young models.”

When questioned at the time, Williams claimed he lived alone with no one else having access to his home. He denied knowledge of any indecent images or illegal activity, asserting that no illicit images would be found on his computer. Despite this, the search uncovered not only the images but also file sharing and wiping software. He chose not to comment when re-interviewed in February.

The police found no evidence that the images had been shared or stored elsewhere. Defence lawyer Neil Gunn highlighted Williams’ intelligence and remorse, acknowledging that attempting to view such images was entirely inappropriate and rooted in misunderstanding. Gunn stated, “He fails to understand how he could allow himself to be placed in this position,” and emphasized that Williams recognized the risk and was deeply ashamed.

Gunn also stressed that Williams had served in the RAF, worked in various professions, including as a prison officer, and contributed to the community through the funeral business, which he had to leave after police disclosed his situation.

Judge Philip Hughes addressed the court, stating: “The children involved were aged between seven and 11. The aggravating feature of this case is not only the abuse of these children, but that you have done it before. You have previous convictions for the same offences in 2008, which makes your current situation very serious.” He added, “You have failed to respond to previous help and have flouted a court order.”

Investigating officer Detective Constable Sarah Preston commented, “We welcome the sentence handed down and believe it reflects the severity of the offences committed by the 56-year-old.”