WILLIAM BINSLEY FROM WILENHALL SENTENCED AFTER BRUTAL ATTACK NEAR WALSALL CANAL

In May 2021, a disturbing incident unfolded along a canal path in Walsall, involving William Binsley, a registered sex offender with a troubling history of attacking lone women. The assault targeted a 14-year-old girl, and the events that transpired have left a lasting impact on the victim and the community alike.

According to court reports, Binsley, who resided on Bloxwich Road South in Willenhall, was nearing the end of his period on the sex offenders register when he committed this heinous act. The attack took place on a pathway off Green Rock Lane, in Bloxwich, on July 24 of the previous year. The young girl was walking along the canal towpath when Binsley approached her, initially walking past and nodding in a seemingly casual manner.

However, as she continued on her way, Binsley turned back, now wearing what was described as a balaclava—though later identified as a black snood found in his vehicle—and followed her. Without warning, he suddenly put his hand over her mouth from behind and grabbed her around the neck, forcing her to the ground. During this terrifying ordeal, he held a hand over her mouth to silence her and demanded her belongings.

The victim, in a state of panic and fear, handed over her AirPods, and Binsley proceeded to remove her iPhone from her pocket. He then sexually assaulted her while keeping his hand over her mouth, all the while scanning the area for potential witnesses. She desperately pleaded for him to stop, fearing for her life and safety. She later told police that she was terrified she might be thrown into the canal, raped, or kidnapped. Binsley then fled the scene, taking her mobile phone, bank card, and headphones with him.

Following the attack, the young girl managed to escape in shock and distress, running away and alerting a passer-by, who helped her contact the authorities. She provided police with a detailed description of her attacker. The investigation quickly led to Binsley's identification, as his car was found parked near the scene shortly after the assault. He was also identified by the victim during an identity parade.

Further evidence revealed that shortly after the incident, Binsley had contacted his sex offender management team, leaving a voicemail asking when the girl would be visiting him that day. This behavior underscored his awareness of his criminal status and added to the severity of his actions.

The court heard that the victim now suffers from heightened anxiety, questioning everything, and feeling vulnerable. She has developed a negative view of people and is afraid to be alone, even at her own home. Her trauma is compounded by the fact that Binsley had previous convictions for similar attacks in 2012 and 2013.

During the trial, Binsley initially denied the charges but changed his plea to guilty just days before the scheduled start of his trial, after his victim had already been cross-examined. Prosecutor Mr. Matthew Barnes described the attack, emphasizing the brutality and the threat Binsley posed.

Judge Stephen Thomas sentenced William Binsley to a term of 11 years and four months in prison for the sexual assault, along with an extended license period of three years. His sentence for the robbery, which lasted 57 months, will run concurrently. The judge stated that the extended sentence was necessary to protect the public from Binsley's dangerous behavior, highlighting the seriousness of his repeated offenses and the threat he continues to pose to society.