An individual working in the funeral industry has managed to avoid incarceration despite being discovered in possession of numerous inappropriate images involving children and engaging in conversations about sexual acts with deceased bodies.
Gary Williams, residing in Newton-le-Willows, was found to have engaged in disturbing discussions on Skype and Telegram, admitting to having a sexual attraction towards young girls as young as five years old. Authorities from Merseyside Police visited his residence in September last year following intelligence reports regarding the distribution of illicit content on a social media platform, as heard in Liverpool Crown Court.
According to the prosecution, Williams’ iPhone contained a total of 542 indecent images of children, including 130 photos and 193 videos categorized as the most severe form of abuse. The collection also included 114 category B images, 75 category C images, three prohibited cartoon images of child abuse, 352 bestiality images, and two images depicting sexual interference with a corpse.
Investigations revealed that Williams used Skype and Telegram to communicate with others regarding these images, with conversations indicating his interest in taboo materials involving young children. During interviews, he acknowledged accessing chatrooms and possibly downloading the images but downplayed his actions to the authorities.
In court, his defense attorney highlighted Williams’ lack of criminal history, his willingness to take responsibility for his actions, and his acknowledgment of personal struggles and loneliness following the tragic loss of his parents. Williams, working in the funeral industry and owning property, was described as warm, committed, and compassionate by those around him.
Williams pleaded guilty to various charges related to possessing indecent images of children, making such images, and possessing extreme pornographic material. He received a 12-month suspended prison sentence for 18 months. During sentencing, Judge Andrew Menary acknowledged the severity of the illegal materials found and Williams’ remorse, opting for rehabilitation measures given his low risk of future harm.
The judge referenced character references from acquaintances praising Williams’ integrity but noted the contrast with his hidden darker desires. Despite crossing the custody threshold, the judge decided to suspend the prison term, imposing strict community requirements to ensure Williams receives appropriate punishment and rehabilitation, including completion of programs, unpaid work, curfew, and registration on the sex offenders’ list.