NORTHWICH MAN JAILED FOR THREE YEARS OF SEXUAL ABUSE AND POSSESSION OF INDECENT IMAGES
A predator identified as William Booth, residing in Northwich, has been found guilty of sexually abusing a girl under the age of 10 over a period of approximately three years until 2020.The court was informed that the young girl did not disclose the abuse until she confided in a therapist in the summer of the previous year.
Prosecutors presented a statement from the now-teenager describing the psychological toll inflicted by the abuse and the trial process, stating, "From the time of the abuse until recently I did not realize what he was doing was abuse." The girl also revealed she had a month off school due to her inability to cope and began self-harming.
During the police investigation, a phone seized from Booth contained indecent images of the girl, including disturbing footage captured via a concealed camera, as well as images of another young girl and an adult woman with a dog.
Booth admitted to voyeurism and possessing indecent images but denied charges of sexual assault.
Despite his denial, a jury convicted him of all charges after a relatively short trial.
The court sentenced him to 15 years in prison with an additional three-year extended license, and he will be subject to life-long restraining and sex offender registration orders.
The judge, Recorder Philip Grundy, commented on Booth’s demeanor in court, suggesting it was sinister and noting his preoccupation with sex and seeking thrills, although he acknowledged Booth’s behavior had ceased several years prior and that he demonstrated control.
The court also highlighted that Booth no longer poses a high risk to the public.
