William Greenfield

William Greenfield, a resident of Wakefield, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in April 2025 after being found guilty of serious sexual offences against two young girls. The abuses, which occurred over a period of 25 years during the 1980s and 1990s, involved nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual activity with a child. The case came to light when one of the victims confronted Greenfield as an adult, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial at Leeds Crown Court.

During the trial, the court heard harrowing accounts from the victims. One victim described Greenfield as a 'monster', detailing the profound impact of his actions on her life: 'The nightmares I have, the depression - I just want it all to go away. You have no idea what you have done to me. All I wanted was one day when I just did not want to die. Do you know how that feels? No, because you have no heart. I hope you rot. After today I never want to hear your name. You are a vile, evil, disgusting human being.' The second victim revealed she had 'carried this for 28 years' and had been ostracised by her community due to the sickening abuse she endured. The offences included Greenfield touching the girls sexually and forcing them to touch him, acts that caused immeasurable damage to their lives.

Despite the jury's guilty verdicts, Greenfield maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings and showed no remorse. The Recorder of Leeds, Guy Kearl KC, addressed him directly during sentencing, stating: 'You have heard the damage you have caused to the lives of these women. It’s immeasurable. It lasted 25 years and involved two different children. You still have no insight into your offending, nor have you any remorse for your actions.' The judge noted that the sentence was regrettably shorter than it might have been under modern legislation, as Greenfield had to be sentenced according to the laws applicable at the time of the offences in the 1980s and 1990s.

Greenfield began serving his sentence at HMP Moorland in Durham. Tragically, he died on 6 December 2025, just five days before his 79th birthday and less than a year into his term. The Prisons & Probation Ombudsman is investigating the circumstances of his death in custody, with the review ongoing as reported on their website. The case was reported by the Wakefield Express on 14 January 2026, highlighting the 'heartless' nature of Greenfield's crimes and his untimely death behind bars.