Bolton Seven man groomed, raped and abused young boys

Norman Williams, now 59, abused three boys in the 1990s. He raped two of them no less than eleven times, often abusing them in the presence of the other.

Bolton Crown Court heard how he exploited vulnerable victims, giving them alcohol, cigarettes and, in one case, cannabis.

Prosecutor Simon Blakeborough said: “They were vulnerable children at the time, both coming from difficult backgrounds and broken homes.

“The defendant exploited their vulnerabilities to repeatedly sexually abuse both of them over a period of several years.”

The case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

The court heard that Williams was one of the “Bolton Seven”, a group of men who won compensation after their case reached the European Court of Human Rights.

This landmark case involved consensual sexual acts with a 17-year-old boy, which were illegal at the time.

But it helped bring about a change in the law that would equalize the age of consent for homosexuals and heterosexuals.

The group also obtained an apology from the British government.

But while Williams was still fulfilling his obligation to report the famous case and was being monitored by the police, he began his cruel campaign of abuse.

Over a period of several years, Williams raped each of the boys no fewer than eleven times, often in the presence of the other, in two houses in Atherton.

Norman Williams in court (Image: Newsquest)

He also performed sexual acts on them and forced them to do the same to him, while he then sexually abused a third boy.

Williams’ crimes were finally uncovered many years later when two of his victims came forward and reported him to the police; the third victim was soon tracked down as a witness.

He denied his crimes when questioned by police and continued to do so when he was brought before Bolton Crown Court for trial in March this year.

However, he was found guilty of three counts of rape and seven counts of sexual assault against his first victim.

Williams was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault, two counts of rape and one count of assault on his first victim and of sexual assault on his third victim.

Many of the rape allegations involved “multiple incidents,” meaning he raped two of the boys at least 22 times in total and was guilty of a number of other assaults.

Norman Williams has since been arrested (Image: GMP)

Defence lawyer Colin Buckle said he acknowledged that “all cases of sexual assault are serious, but some are more serious than others”.

He said: “We know it has been repeatedly suggested that Mr Williams is part of the Bolton Seven.”

But Mr Buckle argued that his convictions in the Bolton Seven case should not be counted against him because the law had since changed.

He also said that a previous conviction for assault could not be taken into account because it was so long ago that “Mr Williams’ lawyer was three years old at the time.”

Mr Buckle said: “He sits there knowing he has a huge task ahead of him.”

He added: “When he comes out he will be an old man, in poor health, his health is already poor.”

Mr Buckle said Williams was already serving his prison sentence in solitary confinement “at his own request because he believes he is in danger and the prison believes that is the case.”

This happened after other prisoners “showed interest in him.”

Judge Jon Close acknowledged that Williams’ convictions as part of the Bolton Seven would not count against him.

However, he reminded the court how “extremely vulnerable” and disadvantaged Williams’ victims had been.

He addressed the defendant directly and said: “Against this background, you systematically manipulated and deliberately attacked two young boys.”

Judge Close said the two victims had been confronted with threats and violence if they resisted.

Responding to a victim’s statement, he said: “I see you in my head, you are there in the darkness.”

Judge Close sentenced Williams to 25 years in prison with an extended period of probation of five years, for a total sentence of 30 years.

He also issued restraining orders against his victims, a lifetime probation order and a professional ban prohibiting him from working with children.

Williams was led in silence from the dock to the cells below.

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Following the hearing, Detective Constable Chris Waddicar, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the victims in this case for coming forward and having the courage to allow us to conduct a thorough investigation.

“Williams’ crimes were reprehensible; he targeted defenseless young children who could not defend themselves.

“As an investigative team, we hope that today’s verdict gives them peace of mind that justice has been done and their perpetrator is behind bars, where he can no longer harm vulnerable members of our community.

“I would like to appeal to anyone out there who has been a victim of sexual abuse to contact us.

“No matter how long ago it happened, we will listen to you and help bring your abuser to justice.”