WILLIAM ROALFE FROM ASH SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN GUILDFORD

In a case that has shocked the community of Ash, William Roalfe, a 55-year-old former taxi driver, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving two young children. The conviction was handed down by a jury at Guildford Crown Court, where Roalfe was convicted on a total of 15 charges, including the attempted rape of a child under the age of 13.

Judge Michael Addison addressed Roalfe directly during the sentencing, stating, “You contested the case, so there is no credit for a plea of guilt. You haven’t been in trouble since the age of 21 and have no previous convictions for any sexual offences, but these are serious specified offences.” The judge’s words underscored the gravity of the crimes committed despite the defendant’s otherwise clean record.

Prosecutor Richard Bendall highlighted the disturbing nature of Roalfe’s understanding of victim awareness, describing it as “only the most superficial grasp.” During the trial, one of the victims recounted how Roalfe had asked her to dress up as if he was her boyfriend, an act that she described as manipulative and abusive. She explained, “He said it was my fault and I started it but it wasn’t. He said the reason he did it was because I reminded him of an old girlfriend.”

The victim further revealed that Roalfe’s abuse extended to physical violence, recounting an incident where he caused her to cry and subsequently gave her a black eye. She described how Roalfe’s temper would flare, leading him to force her into performing other sexual acts, including touching him and allowing him to touch her. She also disclosed that Roalfe would sometimes pour cooking oil on himself or on her, a disturbing detail that illustrated the disturbing nature of his conduct. The victim admitted she had been too frightened to tell anyone about her ordeal at the time.

During the trial, the court also heard from the victim’s mother, who was called to give evidence. Her emotional testimony revealed her distress upon discovering her daughter’s abuse. When asked how her daughter behaved when she confided in her, she described her as “both hysterical and relieved,” indicating the trauma she endured.

Roalfe vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as “absolute rubbish” when confronted with evidence of his abuse. Following his conviction, he will be registered on the sex offenders’ register. Upon release from prison, he will be subject to strict conditions, including a ban on having any females under the age of 18 in his home or any premises under his control.

DC Kevin Furlonger, from the public protection investigation unit, condemned Roalfe as a “cruel and devious individual,” emphasizing that the sentence reflected the severity of his crimes. Furlonger stated, “Not only did he commit these despicable acts of depravity over a period of time, leaving his victims to be tormented and feel unsafe, but he refused to acknowledge his crimes – putting the victims through a lengthy investigation before the trial.”

He further praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward and urged others who may have been victimized to do the same, expressing hope that their courage would help prevent similar offenses in the future. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from predators like William Roalfe in the Ash community and beyond.