WILLIAM ALTHAM'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN PRESTON: DEMENTIA-STRICKEN CHILD RAPIST SENTENCED

In a case that has shocked the community of Preston, William Altham, an 84-year-old man suffering from dementia, has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl over four decades ago. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing history of abuse that spanned nearly nine years, culminating in a verdict that has brought some measure of justice to the victim and her family.

William Altham, who resides on Bleasdale Street East in the Deepdale area of Preston, was found guilty of three counts of rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency involving a minor. The trial, held at Preston Crown Court, was marked by the unusual circumstance that Altham was not physically present for the entire duration of the proceedings due to his health condition. Instead, prosecutors relied heavily on a police interview conducted in 2013, along with the victim’s detailed testimony, to establish his guilt.

The court took approximately seven hours to deliberate and reach a verdict. The jury’s decision came after careful consideration of the evidence, which included harrowing accounts from the victim, now a grown woman and a grandmother, who bravely testified about her traumatic experiences. She recounted how Altham would abuse her in her own bedroom when she was just seven years old, and how he would threaten her by saying she would not be believed if she told anyone.

During the trial, the victim described the abuse as ongoing and deeply damaging. She explained that Altham would often engage her in a disturbing game called Tommy Tickle Toe, which he later admitted to in a police interview from 2013. Initially, Altham denied the allegations but eventually confirmed the abusive behavior, which he characterized as part of a game. His health issues, including dementia, meant he was deemed unfit to attend the full trial, but the court was able to proceed using the evidence available.

Judge Jacqueline Beech, who presided over the case, imposed a five-year sexual harm prevention order and a three-year community order with probation supervision. She also indicated that Altham’s sentencing would take place on March 3, and that she would accept a majority verdict of 10-2 in favor of guilt. The case has been widely seen as a beacon of hope for other victims of historic child abuse, demonstrating that justice can be pursued even after many years have passed.

Following the verdict, a spokesperson from the NSPCC issued a statement emphasizing the importance of the victim’s bravery in coming forward. The organization highlighted that Altham’s case underscores the necessity of close supervision for individuals deemed a danger to children, especially those with health conditions that might otherwise hinder prosecution. The NSPCC also expressed hope that this case would encourage other survivors to speak out, regardless of the circumstances or the passage of time.