TERRY WILLIAMSON FROM WAKEFIELD SENTENCED FOR RAPE AT HOUSE PARTY

In December 2006, a disturbing case unfolded involving Terry Williamson, a 32-year-old man from Wakefield, who was convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl after she had fallen asleep during a house party. The incident took place in Wakefield, where Williamson had attended a gathering to celebrate the New Year.

According to court proceedings, Williamson admitted to consuming approximately ten pints of lager before arriving at the party. However, during his trial at Leeds Crown Court, he insisted that he was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the assault. Despite his claims, DNA evidence conclusively linked him to the crime, and he was subsequently charged with sexual assault.

Williamson denied the initial allegations, asserting that the girl had consented to sexual activity. Nonetheless, the jury found him guilty of rape, and he was sentenced to three and a half years in prison by Judge Peter Hunt. The judge emphasized that Williamson would not be automatically eligible for parole after serving this term. Instead, the parole board would need to assess whether it was safe to release him, considering the nature of his crime and his background.

The court heard that Williamson had attended the party at a residence near his home on Lupset Crescent in Wakefield. After the festivities concluded and the other guests had gone to sleep, Williamson took advantage of the situation to assault the sleeping girl. Judge Hunt highlighted the gravity of the offense, noting that Williamson exploited the girl’s intoxicated and vulnerable state while she was unconscious. The judge pointed out that, under the law, the girl was still considered a child, and the impact of the assault on her mental health was likely profound.

While Williamson had no prior convictions related to sexual offenses, he did have a record of violent behavior, including violence directed at a woman who was his partner. The judge remarked that a common factor in Williamson’s past offenses was excessive drinking, which contributed to his violent tendencies. Judge Hunt concluded that Williamson posed a significant risk to women and that his history and actions warranted serious concern. The court’s decision underscored the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from individuals like Williamson, who had demonstrated a pattern of violence and misconduct.