WILLIAM SARTAIN AND HIS SON WILLIAM LYON: HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENDERS FROM HULL SENTENCED FOR MULTIPLE ABUSES
In a series of disturbing revelations that have shocked the community of Hull, William Sartain, aged 78, has been subjected to a second imprisonment following his conviction for heinous crimes committed decades ago.The details of his criminal history reveal a pattern of sexual abuse and violence against young girls, spanning over thirty years.
Last year, Sartain was sentenced to a lengthy term of 14 years after being found guilty of raping and assaulting a seven-year-old girl, as well as attacking another young girl.
The severity of his crimes was compounded by the fact that these offenses had taken place in the late 1970s.
The case gained further attention when, after the Mail published details of the initial conviction, a third woman came forward to report that Sartain had raped her as well.
This new victim's testimony was crucial in securing additional charges.
Following a four-day trial at Sheffield Crown Court, Sartain was convicted of the new offence and received an additional five-year prison sentence.
The court's decision underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats cases of historical sexual abuse, especially when new victims come forward years after the original crimes.
Adding to the disturbing narrative is the fact that Sartain's son, William Lyon, who had previously changed his name from Sartain, was also convicted of child sexual offenses.
In 2010, Lyon was sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of raping a nine-year-old girl in 1999.
His criminal record includes multiple convictions for sexual offenses, including rape, gross indecency, and assault, which he committed over a span of years.
Lyon's case further highlights the disturbing legacy of abuse within the Sartain family.
Detective Constable Paul Gooder of Humberside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit expressed his appreciation for the victims' bravery.
He stated, “I would like to praise the courage of the victim to come forward and make the report to the police.
She stated the offence had ruined her life but she was now able to put it behind her and expressed her thanks to the police and courts for giving her closure.
I hope the case shows that the force takes reports of historical abuse seriously.
All reports will be thoroughly investigated by trained officers and we will seek to prosecute all offenders no matter how old the offence is.” Back in May 2014, the grim reality of Sartain’s past crimes was further exposed when it was revealed that he had been convicted of multiple charges, including rape, gross indecency, and assault, all committed over three decades ago.
The court sentenced him to 14 years in prison, and the victims, who have chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons, spoke out about the impact of his actions.
One victim described Sartain as “an absolute animal” and expressed her hatred for him, stating, “He and his son are both disgusting.
I don’t know how anyone can do something like that to children.” She also emphasized the importance of justice, saying, “The judge told him that he will die in prison.
It felt absolutely fantastic to hear that and know that it would protect other children.
I don’t believe he could have gone so long without doing this; there must be other victims out there.
That is why I am speaking, because I want people to know that they will be believed and they can get justice.” Another woman, who was repeatedly raped by Sartain, highlighted the difficulties in prosecuting historic cases but expressed hope that justice had finally been served.
“This result demonstrates that they can be proved and the evidence is there,” she said.
“Such offenders must be brought to task.
The damage they cause is far-reaching, and I would urge any victims to report this to police.
You will be believed and the case will be investigated.
I am delighted with the result.
It has drawn a line under an ordeal that has lasted more than 30 years for me.
Now it is time for me to move on.” Both women credited the police and judicial system for their support throughout the process.
One added, “The detectives who investigated this were fantastic, they made me feel so comfortable and could not do enough for us.
I was really scared about going to court, but them and the other people involved made me feel so much better about it.
I worried for nothing.” The other woman expressed her gratitude, saying, “I would like to thank the police for their tireless efforts, as well as my barrister and the witness service for their kind support.
I also thought the judge made it a fair and just trial.” Humberside Police issued a statement praising the victims’ bravery and reaffirming their commitment to pursuing justice.
“Police would like to praise the bravery of the victims in this case as they were very brave during a long and thorough investigation and the subsequent court proceeding.
It is pleasing that we have been able to bring Sartain to justice and we hope it sends out a warning to others like him that the police will do everything in our power to bring people responsible for historic sexual offences to justice.” The case of William Lyon, Sartain’s son, further underscores the disturbing cycle of abuse.
Lyon, who changed his name from Sartain, was branded a danger to young girls and women when he was jailed at age 33 in 2010.
His crimes include raping a nine-year-old girl in 1999 after she stopped to help him repair a puncture on his bike, as well as later raping a woman at knifepoint and indecently assaulting other young individuals.
He was sentenced to nine years in prison but was released after serving eight.
However, when the victim of his 1999 assault learned of his release, she reported her attack to the police, leading to Lyon’s continued incarceration.
Judge Jeremy Richardson CQ described Lyon as “a very dangerous individual” and expressed doubt about his potential for rehabilitation, stating, “I have very little doubt you will commit other very serious sexual crimes if you are ever released.
I cannot envisage when it would ever be safe to release you.” These cases serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against sexual violence and the importance of justice for victims, regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes occurred.
