WILLIAM SEYMOUR JAILLED FOR PREDATORY CRIMES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS IN JARROW AND HEHBURN
| Red Rose Database
Jarrow Rapist
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Jarrow and surrounding areas, William Seymour, aged 44, has been sentenced to an indefinite prison term for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against three underage girls. The crimes took place over several years, with Seymour targeting vulnerable young girls while he was already under supervision for previous offenses.
According to court proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court, Seymour's criminal activities began while he was participating in a sex offender treatment program. This program was part of a probation order issued in 1999 following his earlier conviction for indecent assault on a young girl. Despite being under supervision, Seymour's predatory behavior persisted, and he continued to exploit young girls in the community.
The court heard that Seymour's most egregious offense involved the rape of an 11-year-old girl in Hebburn in 2001. Prosecutor Robert Adams described the incident, stating, “It would be fair to say it clearly failed in its aims,” referring to the ineffective supervision and treatment program. Mr. Adams recounted that Seymour forcibly pushed the young girl against railings during the attack, leaving her feeling “dirty, ashamed and shaking with fear” afterward.
Adding to the severity of his crimes, Seymour used manipulative tactics to maintain control over his victims. After the assault, he told the girl that he loved her and threatened to kill himself unless she reciprocated his feelings. Despite her distress, Seymour continued to have sexual contact with her until she confided in her parents last December.
In addition to this assault, Seymour was involved in abusing another underage girl. He exploited his interests in caravans and camping to lure young girls into situations where he could commit further acts of abuse. His criminal record includes nine charges, encompassing rape, sexual activity with a child, sexual assault on a child, and indecent assault. Seymour pleaded guilty to all charges.
During the sentencing hearing, Seymour’s defense attorney, Tony Hawks, acknowledged his client’s long-standing deviant tendencies, stating, “He is plainly a man with a significant, long-standing deviant interest in girls. It would be absurd to suggest otherwise, and he is thoroughly ashamed of himself. He wants assistance. He wants this problem addressed. He wants to try and sort it out.”
Judge David Wood, presiding over the case, emphasized the seriousness of Seymour’s offenses and the risk he poses to the community. He ordered that Seymour serve a minimum of four years in prison before he can apply for parole. However, the judge made it clear that release was not guaranteed, stating, “That does not mean you will be automatically released – that will be for the parole board to determine. If you are released, you will be on licence for life.”
Furthermore, Seymour was permanently banned from working with children and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions aimed at protecting the community from further harm.
According to court proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court, Seymour's criminal activities began while he was participating in a sex offender treatment program. This program was part of a probation order issued in 1999 following his earlier conviction for indecent assault on a young girl. Despite being under supervision, Seymour's predatory behavior persisted, and he continued to exploit young girls in the community.
The court heard that Seymour's most egregious offense involved the rape of an 11-year-old girl in Hebburn in 2001. Prosecutor Robert Adams described the incident, stating, “It would be fair to say it clearly failed in its aims,” referring to the ineffective supervision and treatment program. Mr. Adams recounted that Seymour forcibly pushed the young girl against railings during the attack, leaving her feeling “dirty, ashamed and shaking with fear” afterward.
Adding to the severity of his crimes, Seymour used manipulative tactics to maintain control over his victims. After the assault, he told the girl that he loved her and threatened to kill himself unless she reciprocated his feelings. Despite her distress, Seymour continued to have sexual contact with her until she confided in her parents last December.
In addition to this assault, Seymour was involved in abusing another underage girl. He exploited his interests in caravans and camping to lure young girls into situations where he could commit further acts of abuse. His criminal record includes nine charges, encompassing rape, sexual activity with a child, sexual assault on a child, and indecent assault. Seymour pleaded guilty to all charges.
During the sentencing hearing, Seymour’s defense attorney, Tony Hawks, acknowledged his client’s long-standing deviant tendencies, stating, “He is plainly a man with a significant, long-standing deviant interest in girls. It would be absurd to suggest otherwise, and he is thoroughly ashamed of himself. He wants assistance. He wants this problem addressed. He wants to try and sort it out.”
Judge David Wood, presiding over the case, emphasized the seriousness of Seymour’s offenses and the risk he poses to the community. He ordered that Seymour serve a minimum of four years in prison before he can apply for parole. However, the judge made it clear that release was not guaranteed, stating, “That does not mean you will be automatically released – that will be for the parole board to determine. If you are released, you will be on licence for life.”
Furthermore, Seymour was permanently banned from working with children and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions aimed at protecting the community from further harm.