Locations
Topcliffe Street, Hartlepool, TS26
Description
A 'lying' child rapist will spend 28 years in prison for his horrific crimes.
Predator Richard Williams was put behind bars at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday. The Hartlepool man also received an indefinite restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and will be subject to stringent conditions and monitoring upon his release.
In 2018, a third party reported that Williams had sexually assaulted and raped the victim. Enquiries began and the victim received specialist support while officers from CAVA (Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults Investigation Unit) worked with other agencies to piece together what had happened over the years.
Williams, of Topcliffe Street, Hartlepool, was charged earlier this year and in May a jury at Teesside Crown Court found him guilty of raping a girl under 16, four counts of rape of a female over 16, indecent assault on a girl under 16 and indecent assault on a woman over 16.
Safeguarding Detective Chief Inspector Matt Murphy King added: “Williams lied and lied again, denying his actions even when there was the strongest of evidence against him. He did all he could to throw our enquiries off course but my officers shared a determination to achieve charges and bring him before the courts to face the consequences of his abhorrent actions.
“Williams’ constant lying also meant the victim had to endure the stress of a trial, but she took it all in her stride and showed great courage and strength throughout. I’d reassure our communities that we will always investigate thoroughly any allegations of abuse, no matter how long ago it took place.”