MAN JAILED FOR HISTORIC CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AT FORMER CHILDREN’S HOME
Willy John Gillham, aged 73 and residing in Camberley, Surrey, was convicted of buggery and indecent assault involving a minor under 16 during a trial held at Winchester Crown Court earlier this month.According to police, Gillham committed these crimes between 1981 and 1982 while employed at the former Palmerston House children’s home on Botley Road, Romsey, Hampshire.
His sentencing took place at Winchester Crown Court on Monday.
The Palmerston House facility had already ceased operations before Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary launched their investigation, police confirmed.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Gillham had previously served time in 2017 after being convicted of raping a boy at the same home during the 1980s.
He served seven and a half years of a 15-year sentence.
In 2023, police stated that another man came forward, alleging that Gillham had assaulted him as a child under his care at Palmerston House.
This led to a renewed investigation by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, with Gillham being interviewed in prison.
Shortly after his release, he was served with a postal requisition to appear in court for the newly reported offences.
After his sentencing, Detective Constable Craig Rainsley commented: "Gillham's victim was in a setting where he should have been safe and cared for, but Gillham abused his authority and betrayed him in the worst way possible." He praised the victim’s bravery in speaking to police and commended his resilience throughout the investigation and trial.
He further expressed hope that others who have suffered similar abuse will be encouraged to come forward, emphasising, "It doesn't matter how long ago it was, you will be listened to and we will investigate."
