WILLIAM JAMES PREDATOR FROM WIGAN LIVING NEAR VICTIM SPARKS OUTRAGE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Wigan, William James, a pensioner with a dark past, has become the subject of intense public scrutiny and concern after it was revealed that he is residing dangerously close to his young victim. James, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy, was released from prison earlier this year, raising questions about the safety of the local area and the effectiveness of current supervision measures.

William James, now aged 76, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court in February of the previous year to a 20-month imprisonment term after pleading guilty to the sexual assault of the young boy. The assault took place in an alleyway near his former residence on Rose Avenue, Beech Hill. During the sentencing, Judge David Aubrey emphasized the severity of the crime, stating that the victim would carry psychological scars for the rest of his life. The judge also imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for seven years, which prohibits James from being in the company of children, and mandated that he register as a sex offender for the same period.

Despite these legal restrictions, recent events have caused alarm among the boy’s family and the local community. The victim, now 14, and his relatives have expressed their horror upon discovering that James is living just a few miles from them. More troubling is the fact that his residence is located just around the corner from a relative whom the boy visits weekly. The family reports that James has been seen in familiar local spots, including the Asda supermarket that the family frequents. Additionally, the boy himself spotted James at the DW Stadium fair recently, and it is alleged that James was seen lingering inside the Wacky Warehouse indoor play area, a place meant for children’s recreation.

The family’s concern is compounded by the fact that James’s house is situated in an area where the boy often visits, particularly in Norley, a neighborhood within Wigan. An aunt of the boy voiced her outrage, stating, “It is ridiculous that this man can be allowed to live in Wigan, particularly in an area like Norley where my nephew visits one of his aunties every week. It gave the boy a real scare to see James at the fair the other day and he has been too frightened to go out since. Someone like James should be kept away from children, so what is he doing at the fair and the Wacky Warehouse? Sex offenders, once let out of prison, shouldn’t be allowed back to the town where they committed their crimes.”

In response to these concerns, a spokeswoman for the Greater Manchester Probation Trust stated that William James is currently under supervision on licence. While specific details about his supervision cannot be disclosed, she confirmed that he is subject to various licence conditions designed to prevent re-offending. These conditions may include restrictions on visiting certain areas, curfews, and participation in programs aimed at addressing offending behavior. The probation service emphasizes that breaches of these conditions can result in recall to prison or other penalties, with the primary goal of protecting the community and rehabilitating offenders.

Historically, William James’s criminal record includes a previous conviction from November 2011, when he was jailed for 20 months for molesting a schoolboy. That incident also occurred in Beech Hill, where James’s actions in an alleyway left the young victim deeply traumatized. The court heard that James’s assault was opportunistic and brief, but the psychological damage inflicted was profound. The judge at that time, Judge David Aubrey QC, highlighted the vulnerability of the victim and condemned James’s actions as driven by sexual gratification.

Community members and the victim’s family remain deeply concerned about the potential for James to re-offend, especially given his proximity to children and frequent presence in local public spaces. The case has ignited a debate about the adequacy of supervision and the safety measures in place for offenders released into communities, particularly in areas like Wigan where families are worried about their children’s safety. The authorities continue to monitor James’s case closely, but the community’s fears persist, underscoring the ongoing challenge of balancing offender rehabilitation with public safety.