Patrick Dean Williams

Patrick Dean Williams, a 46-year-old man previously residing on Gooch Street in Swindon, has been sentenced to life imprisonment following his conviction for multiple serious sexual offences. The case, which unfolded at Swindon Crown Court, highlights the severity with which the justice system addresses such crimes.

The offences occurred between 2016 and 2017, involving a victim who bravely reported the incidents to the police in 2019. At the time of the report, Williams was already incarcerated for unrelated offences. Despite his not guilty plea, a trial in January of this year resulted in guilty verdicts on all counts: rape, assault by penetration, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

On 21 April, Williams appeared for sentencing, where Judge [Name not specified in article] imposed a life sentence for the rape offence, with a minimum term of 14 years before parole eligibility. Concurrent sentences were handed down for the remaining offences, ensuring they run alongside the life term. Additionally, a restraining order was issued to prevent any contact with the victim, providing further protection post-release.

• Key Charges: Rape, assault by penetration, causing sexual activity without consent, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
• Trial Date: January [year not specified, but prior to April 2024].
• Sentencing Date: 21/04/2024.
• Offences Period: 2016-2017.

Following the January trial, Detective Constable Helen Bott from Swindon CID commended the victim's courage: "We know how difficult it is for victims of sexual offences to speak out about what has happened to them and I want to praise the strength and courage of the victim in this case." She further noted, "Due to the fact that Williams pleaded not guilty, this case went to trial and the victim had to relive one of the darkest periods of her life, telling her story to the courtroom." This conviction, as reported by UKNIP, underscores the commitment of Wiltshire Police to pursuing justice in sexual offence cases.

The source for this information is the UKNIP article detailing the sentencing, based on court proceedings at Swindon Crown Court. The case came to light through the victim's report in 2019, leading to Williams' prosecution while he was serving time for separate matters.