Elderly Shop Owner Jailed for Rape and Sexual Assault of Woman He Convinced Needed His "Healing" Services

A shop owner in Brixton, widely known and respected in the community, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting a woman he persuaded to seek his spiritual healing services. Bernard Williams, 77, who was known as "Papa B", had been running the Original Products store in Market Row for over 30 years, during which time he built a reputation as a trusted elder and healer in the community. However, his trusting nature and position of authority were used to manipulate and exploit a vulnerable woman who sought his help, leading to a devastating outcome.

Key Takeaways:

• Bernard Williams, a 77-year-old shop owner and "elder" in the Brixton community, was jailed for nine years for raping and sexually assaulting a woman he convinced needed his "healing" services.
• Williams' victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, became unwell in November 2020 and visited his shop seeking spiritual treatment after being recommended it by someone else.
• The defendant persuaded the victim to spend over £13,000 on "remedies" and "healing" services, including a "guard ring" and a healing bath, which he claimed would remove spirits from her body.
• Williams' abuse of the victim's trust was facilitated by his position in the community, which allowed him to gain the woman's confidence and eventually convince her to engage in sex to remove the spirit.
• The defendant maintained contact with the victim after the attack and claimed that the process had not worked and that the spirit had returned.
• Detective Inspector Tom Palmer has appealed for more victims to come forward, stating that the police are concerned that there may be further victim-survivors who have not yet come forward due to Williams' position in the community and his distinctive methods.
• Williams has been placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

Statistics:

• £13,000: the amount spent by the victim and her family on Williams' "healing" services.
• 30 years: the length of time Williams had been running his shop in Brixton.
• 2020: the year the victim first visited Williams' shop seeking spiritual treatment.
• January 12, 2021: the date of the rape and sexual assault of the victim.
• 77 years old: the age of Bernard Williams when he was sentenced to nine years in prison.

Sources:

• "Elderly shop owner jailed for rape and sexual assault" (PA)
• "Bernard Williams sentenced to nine years in prison for rape and sexual assault" (Metropolitan Police)