A WOMAN says a “great burden has been lifted” after the man, William Emery Egham Paedophile, who sexually abused her in her childhood has been jailed following a complex investigation by Essex Police.
The survivor has thanked Essex Police for their support, kindness, and compassion who made sure “justice had been served.”
The woman, who now lives in Sheffield, said: “I wasn’t believed when I was young, but finally I had the strength to say what happened to me.
“It was extremely difficult and traumatic at times, but the support from Essex Police and officers in Sheffield really helped me through.
“I feel like I can now start to repair my life.
“I don’t want anyone else to go through what I have been through, but making the call to Essex Police was the best decision I could have made.”
Detectives from Essex Police’s Quest team launched an investigation in April 2019 after receiving reports of child sexual abuse which happened 25 years ago in Essex.
The Quest team investigate sexual offence reports where the victim was a child at the time of the offence but is now an adult.
Following a detailed and complex investigation William Emery, 71, was interviewed by officers in the beginning of 2020.
William Emery repeatedly denied a number of allegations put to him, but committed officers secured charged in August 2022.
William Emery was charged with two counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 years old, and one count of inciting a girl under 14 years old to commit an act of gross indecency.
He continued to deny the allegations, but following a trial at Basildon Crown Court a jury found him guilty on all three counts on September 3, 2024.
At the same court on Friday, January 31, William Emery, of Malet Close, Egham, Surrey, received a sentence of four years and 10 months, with one year to be served on licence in relation to the indecent assault charge.
William Emery was sentenced to 12 months for the second indecent assault charge and 20 months in relation to the incitement charge, both to run concurrently.
William Emery was also placed on the sexual offenders register for life.
Following the sentence, Det Con Jane Egerton from the Quest team paid tribute to the survivor in this case for supporting this investigation.
She said: “This has been a very difficult few years for her, but she has shown immense tenacity and courage.
“She was very relieved when the jury found her abuser guilty.
“At Essex Police we want to reassure anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, you will be supported, and we will fully investigate.
“We are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice, but if you are not ready to report an incident to us there is a lot of support available across Essex and people for you to talk to.”
The survivor added: “Please do find someone to talk to if you have experienced sexual assault.
“I know how difficult taking that first step can be but find a support service near you.
“They will be able to guide you and support you.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.