ROY WILLANS FROM BILLINGHAM CAUGHT IN SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN TEESSIDE

In September 2017, Roy Guy Willans, a 57-year-old man residing on Finchale Avenue in Billingham, was found guilty of a series of heinous crimes involving the grooming and sexual abuse of two young boys. The disturbing case was heard at Teesside Crown Court, where the court heard how Willans used manipulative tactics to exploit vulnerable children over a decade ago.

According to the prosecution, Roy Willans employed a range of grooming methods to lure the boys into his home and manipulate them psychologically. The court revealed that he used items such as ferrets, alcohol, cigarettes, and video games as tools to gain the trust of his victims. Additionally, camping trips were arranged as part of his grooming process, creating an environment where he could carry out his illicit activities without suspicion.

The court heard that Willans showed pornography to the boys and engaged in sexual assaults during this period. Prosecutor Shaun Dodds emphasized that Willans’s actions were driven by a clear sexual attraction to young boys. He described the grooming process as involving subtle psychological blackmail, where Willans made the victims feel responsible for the abuse or at fault when they resisted. The prosecutor detailed how Willans would call one of the boys a “tease” and would manipulate another by giving him a “guilt trip,” attempting to dissuade them from reporting his misconduct.

Mr. Dodds explained that Willans’s conduct was characteristic of a “classic predator,” and he exploited the boys’ vulnerabilities by instilling feelings of guilt and shame. The victims, now adults, provided compelling testimonies, describing how the abuse left lasting scars. One of the victims, described as a “lost soul,” recounted how he spoke out about his experiences years later after falling into drug addiction, ending up in prison, and being encouraged by a listener to document his troubles. He described the memories as “images burned in my head for years,” and explained how the trauma affected his relationships, education, and career. The victim expressed feelings of dirtiness and disgust, which led him to withdraw socially, lose confidence, and turn to drugs as a means of coping.

Willans, who was employed at a pizza shop, denied all allegations, claiming that he had not groomed or touched the boys, nor had he shown them pornography or given them alcohol. He insisted that no sexual activity occurred and dismissed the accusations as “lies” and “absolute nonsense.” Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty of 11 charges, including five counts of indecent assault and six counts of indecency with a child. He was acquitted of nine other charges, which included allegations of rape, additional indecent assaults, sexual assault, and further indecency charges.

Judge Tony Briggs addressed Willans directly during the sentencing hearing, condemning his lack of remorse and suggesting that he had hoped to evade justice. The judge stated, “You do not accept guilt. There is no element of remorse in you as far as one can see. Be under no illusion, this is a very serious matter indeed.” He further described the grooming as a “subtle form of psychological manipulation,” indicating that the abuse had gone beyond initial expectations.

As a result, Willans was sentenced to nine years in prison, with an additional year on extended license. He was also issued a sexual harm prevention order and will remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. The court’s decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the lasting impact on his victims, highlighting the importance of justice for those affected by such predatory behavior.