PETER WILLIAMS FROM CAMBRIDGE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a case that has shocked the community of Cambridge, Peter Williams, aged 44, was sentenced to a total of five years in prison after admitting to serious sexual offenses involving a young girl and possessing indecent images of children. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of Williams' actions, which spanned over a three-year period and involved multiple violations of a young girl under the age of 13.

Williams, a resident of Ditton Walk in Cambridge, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to charges of indecent touching of a girl under 13. The abuse reportedly began when the girl was just 10 years old, with Williams climbing into her bed and assaulting her. Several of these assaults occurred while her sister was sleeping in the same room, highlighting the disturbing breach of trust and safety.

The court was informed that Williams had threatened the girl to keep silent, warning her that disclosure would lead to him getting into trouble. This manipulation and coercion added to the trauma inflicted upon the young victim. The abuse only came to light when the girl confided in her school nurse in May, prompting immediate police intervention. When questioned, Williams quickly admitted to the allegations, confirming the severity of his misconduct.

The case took a further disturbing turn when it was revealed that Williams had been involved in downloading hundreds of images of naked children using a computer at his workplace. The images, which numbered over 400, were non-sexualized but still constituted indecent material. Despite employing a website to conceal his browsing activity, Williams was identified by his employer, Crown Paints in Cambridge, and subsequently dismissed from his position.

Prosecutor Sara Walker detailed the extent of Williams' online activity, emphasizing the large volume of images he had accessed. Williams faced three counts of making indecent images of a child, which contributed to his sentencing. The court also heard that he had been involved in the possession of obscene images, leading to additional charges.

During the sentencing hearing, Williams' defense lawyer, Sally Hobson, requested that the court consider his previously good character, his prompt confession, and his care for his infirm mother. She proposed a 12-month suspended sentence, arguing that this would allow Williams to seek help and rehabilitation. She also pointed out that the victim appeared to be quite resilient, according to her victim impact statement.

This assertion was met with strong disapproval from the victim's family, who were present in the courtroom. The judge, Jonathan Haworth, sharply rebuked the defense, stating that such comments were inappropriate given the gravity of the crimes. He emphasized that the abuse had caused long-lasting harm to the young girl and that her innocence had been irreparably damaged.

Judge Haworth sentenced Williams to five years in prison for the sexual assault and an additional six months for possessing indecent images, with both sentences to run concurrently. Furthermore, Williams was banned from having any contact with individuals under the age of 16 and will remain on the sex offenders' register for the rest of his life. The court's decision underscores the seriousness of his offenses and the community's need for protection from such individuals.