WILLIAM TOWNING SENTENCED IN LEEDS AND WAKEFIELD FOR SEX ABUSE OF CHILD

In December 2012, a disturbing case of child sexual abuse came to light involving William Towning, a 37-year-old man whose actions left a lasting scar on a young girl. The heinous offenses occurred at his residence in the Wakefield area, where he repeatedly subjected a four-year-old girl to sexual abuse over a period of time. The court heard that Towning, during these assaults, threatened the young victim with death if she ever disclosed what was happening to anyone, instilling fear and silence in the child.

Towning was eventually brought to justice after pleading guilty to four counts of indecency with a child and one count of indecent assault. His sentencing at Leeds Crown Court revealed the severity of his crimes and the profound impact they had on the victim, who is now a teenager. Prosecutor Nicholas Atkins detailed how Towning forced the girl into sexual acts despite her attempts to resist, highlighting the coercive and abusive nature of his conduct.

The court was informed that the abuse took place at Towning’s then home in Wakefield, where he exploited the trust of a vulnerable child. The emotional trauma inflicted on the victim was described as lifelong, with her suffering from feelings of guilt, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts as a result of the abuse. The young girl’s suffering was brought to light earlier that year when a relative discovered handwritten papers she had written, attempting to process and rid herself of the traumatic memories.

Encouraged by her family, the teenager eventually confided in the police, leading to Towning’s arrest. Initially denying the allegations, he later admitted to the abuse after being admitted to Pinderfields Hospital, where he was honest with nursing staff about his actions. Towning’s defense lawyer, Robin Mairs, expressed that his client felt remorse and shame for his conduct and revealed that Towning had attempted to take his own life.

During sentencing, Judge Christopher Batty acknowledged the psychological pressure Towning had exerted on the young girl, noting that his threats to kill her if she disclosed the abuse created an unbearable emotional burden. The judge emphasized the lifelong consequences for the victim, stating, “There may be some explanation for her not telling anyone because on one occasion you told her you would kill her if she told anyone. Can you imagine the pressure and emotional turmoil that would bring about in a four or five-year-old girl? She will have to live with that for the rest of her life.”

While the judge recognized that some might feel the sentence was not sufficient, he also pointed out that he was bound by the maximum penalties available at the time of the offenses. Ultimately, William Towning was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison, marking a significant chapter in the pursuit of justice for the young victim and highlighting the ongoing importance of protecting children from such predatory behavior.