In 2004, the Offender Database reported that William Blower, then 49, previously of Ainsdale Road, Thorntree, Middlesbrough, was released from prison under strict exclusion orders. Following his release on licence in September 2004, Blower was banned from returning to Teesside to prevent him from “haunting” his victims.
The investigation established that Blower was convicted at Teesside Crown Court in 1998 for the “reprehensible” rape of a seven-year-old girl. He admitted to three counts of rape and one of causing actual bodily harm. The prosecution reported that before his “vile” crimes were exposed, Blower was “dishonestly” regarded as a respected member of the community in Thorntree. During his nine-year sentence, he was held at Wakefield Prison, where he reportedly became an associate of the Soham murderer Ian Huntley.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the “serious” restrictions on Blower’s release were significantly influenced by his own brother, who “bravely” petitioned the Chief Constable of Cleveland Police and the Probation Service. The judge noted that the exclusion from the North-East was necessary to protect the survivors and the community from further “reprehensible” trauma. His brother expressed that without his intervention, Blower might have been “dishonestly” allowed to return to the area where his crimes were committed.
The judge noted that Blower was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life in 1998, a “serious” measure reflecting the “vile” nature of his attacks. Upon his release in 2004, he was reportedly directed to live in the Leeds area, away from his previous residence in Middlesbrough. The prosecution emphasised that while Blower had served his custodial term, his return to society remained a “serious” concern for his family and the police.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, William Blower was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Nine years in immediate custody (sentenced in 1998).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- Exclusion Zone: Banned from returning to the Teesside and Middlesbrough areas upon release.
- Convictions: Admitted three charges of rape and one of causing actual bodily harm.
2026: Monitoring and Public Protection
The Blower is managed under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the Police and the Probation Service. Due to the “serious” nature of his historical child rape convictions and his previous associations with high-profile killers in prison, his management remains a “serious” priority for the Public Protection Unit.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Blower must comply with mandatory notification requirements regarding his residence, which was last reported as being outside of Middlesbrough. Authorities state that the “reprehensible” nature of his crimes against a seven-year-old girl necessitates continued vigilance. Any breach of his registration conditions or any “vile” attempt to enter his excluded home area in Teesside will result in his immediate arrest and return to court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.