CALLUM WILLIAMS – SHILDON, COUNTY DURHAM

A courageous woman is encouraging other victim-survivors to report abuse after a man was jailed for raping her.

It comes after Callum Williams, 25, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison today (Thursday 12 March) at Luton Crown Court.

The survivor said no-one should be made to doubt whether they have given consent, and was praised by detectives for her bravery.

“By reporting assaults, you help ensure that these offences are recorded so offenders can be held accountable and brought to justice,” she said.

“We all have rights, and we should never be made to doubt whether we gave consent. Deep down, we know the answer. From the moment of the assault through to any court proceedings, there is a wide range of support available to help you through this incredibly difficult and daunting time, and to assist you as you recover and move forward with your life.”

Williams, of Shildon, Durham, met the woman in a pub and had drinks in #HemelHempstead town centre on Thursday 7 October last year.

He then took her to the Premier Inn on Moor End Road, with CCTV showing how he carried her to a room he had booked before raping her during the early hours of 8 October.

At around 3.30am, hotel staff called the police after she was found wandering the halls in a confused state.

Williams fled the area and returned to his home city of Durham, where he was located hiding in a shed by officers two days later.

During his police interview, Williams claimed they had consensual sex. Following toxicology results, it was shown the survivor did not have capacity to consent due to alcohol consumption, and Williams soon changed his plea to guilty.

At today’s sentencing hearing, Williams was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable Alice Garrett, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team, added: “Callum Williams is a dangerous and calculated sexual predator who preyed on a woman who was in no position to give her consent.

“He showed a flagrant disregard for his behaviour, and it wasn’t until the toxicology results were returned that he realised he simply had no defence and changed his plea, which thankfully spared the survivor the ordeal of a criminal trial.

“While nothing can undo this horrific incident, I hope today’s lengthy prison sentence will give the survivor time to heal and move on with her life when she is ready to do so, and I commend her for her bravery during this difficult process.

“This also serves as an important reminder – if there is any question over whether someone has given their consent or not, assume they haven’t given it.

“Becoming a victim of sexual assault is never your fault. If you’ve been a victim, no matter how long ago the offence occurred, please report it. We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation, and we take all reports seriously.”

s