ANTHONY WILLIAMS – GLOUCESTER

May 2025 – Sentence Increased for Photographer Who Sexually Assaulted Women

A man who sexually assaulted multiple women after posing as a professional photographer has had his prison sentence increased to 12 years.

Anthony Williams, 40, from Brockworth, Gloucestershire, targeted women online by offering them photography work and inviting them to take part in photoshoots. He was originally jailed for eight years at Gloucester Crown Court on 22 January, but the sentence was later challenged under the Unduly Lenient Sentencing Scheme. Judges at the Court of Appeal subsequently added a further four years to his term.

During the original trial, the court heard that Williams contacted women through Instagram, presenting himself as a photographer. In one photoshoot, he raped the woman he was photographing. In other incidents, he adjusted women’s clothing without their consent.

Williams was arrested in November 2021 after one of the victims reported his behaviour to police. A second woman later came forward. When officers searched his home in Lobleys Drive, Brockworth, they found photoshoot contracts belonging to several other women. Police contacted those women, leading to seven victims being identified in total.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Simone Bowley of Gloucestershire Constabulary said Williams deliberately targeted women online, sexually assaulted them, and then forced them to endure a lengthy trial by refusing to admit what he had done.

One of the victims told the court that the damage caused by Williams was “completely irreparable.” She said her family’s life had been “torn apart” and that she had entered his studio feeling happy and confident, believing he would help her achieve her goal of becoming a model. Instead, she said he destroyed her confidence, caused her to develop post-traumatic stress disorder, and left her feeling as though her life was over.

Following the increase in sentence, Det Con Bowley praised the victims for their bravery and patience throughout the prolonged legal process.

Alongside the 12-year prison term, Williams was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, banning him from working in photography. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.