STEPHEN WILLIAMS SENTENCED IN SOUTHEND FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL

In a recent case that has shocked the community of Southend, a man named Stephen Williams, aged 49, was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in Southend, has left a lasting impact on the victim and her family, highlighting the serious nature of such offenses.

The victim, a teenage girl whose identity remains protected by law, had attended a party and subsequently stayed at Williams's residence. The assault occurred during the night when she awoke to find her underwear removed and Williams engaging in sexual touching. Disturbingly, another of Williams's daughters was sleeping in the same room at the time, adding a layer of complexity and concern to the case.

Following the incident, the girl’s mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons, spoke out about the emotional toll the ordeal has taken on her family. She described the past nine months as a difficult period, especially for her daughter, who has struggled significantly with the trauma. The mother expressed a cautious hope that her family could begin to move past the incident, but acknowledged that her daughter would have to live with the repercussions for the rest of her life.

Williams, a resident of Kursaal Way in Southend, pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault by penetration on February 2. His sentencing took place at Basildon Crown Court, where he was handed a two-year prison term. Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, a measure aimed at protecting the community and monitoring his conduct.

During the sentencing hearing, Williams’s defense attorney, Jacqueline Carey, argued that her client’s actions were a momentary lapse, citing his wife’s agoraphobia and his responsibilities running a roofing business that depended heavily on him. She requested that the judge consider a suspended sentence, suggesting that a prison term would cause more harm to Williams’s family and livelihood than the offense itself. Carey emphasized that her client’s offense was a single, isolated incident and urged the court for leniency.

However, Judge Phillip Clegg was firm in his decision. He stated that he had the authority to impose either a custodial sentence or a suspended one but chose to imprison Williams, citing the severity of the breach of trust and the assault on a vulnerable 15-year-old girl. The judge acknowledged the potential devastating impact on Williams’s family and his business but emphasized that justice required a prison sentence. The court’s ruling underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are regarded in the community of Southend and the importance of safeguarding minors from sexual abuse.