Spiritual Healer Jailed for Rape and Sexual Assault

Strategic Insights -

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (Met Police) led an investigation that led to the sentencing of Bernard Williams, 77, to nine years in prison for one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault. Williams, known to his clients as 'Papa B', had been running a shop in Brixton for over 30 years and was considered an elder in the community. He was found guilty on Thursday, May 29, and sentenced on Friday, July 11, at Harrow Crown Court.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bernard Williams, 77, was sentenced to nine years in prison for one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault.
  • Williams, known as 'Papa B', ran a spiritual healing shop in Brixton for over 30 years and was considered an elder in the community.
  • He was found guilty on Thursday, May 29, and sentenced on Friday, July 11, at Harrow Crown Court.
  • Williams abused his position of trust to commit the offenses against the victim.
  • Detectives are appealing for further victim-survivors to come forward, particularly those who may have bought services from Williams at his store in Market Row, Brixton.
  • Williams maintained contact with the victim after the attack, telling her that the process had not worked and that the spirit was back inside her.
  • The victim-survivor involved in this case has been given specialist support and guidance by officers throughout the investigation and court process.
  • The Met Police is dedicated to improving its response to violence against women and girls and has implemented several initiatives, including the V100 project, which targets predatory offenders.
  • The V100 project has led to over 100 convictions, and the Met has rolled out training to 20,000 frontline officers and added 565 specially trained officers and staff to teams tackling violence against women and girls.

The Met's investigation was launched in January 2021, after officers received a report of rape and sexual assault from the victim, which occurred at her home address. Williams was arrested on October 21, 2021, following the report being received and an investigation being launched. In November 2020, the victim became unwell and was recommended a spiritual treatment, visiting Williams at his shop, 'Original Products', Market Row, Brixton.

Statistics:

  • Over £13,000 was spent on ineffective treatments by the victim and her family for spiritual healing.
  • Williams was found guilty on Thursday, May 29.
  • Williams was sentenced to nine years in prison on Friday, July 11.
  • The victim was repeatedly convinced by Williams that a spirit inside her would eventually kill her.
  • Williams referred to the need to have sex to remove the spirits, leading to the rape and sexual assault of the victim.
  • The Met Police has rolled out training to 20,000 frontline officers.
  • 565 specially trained officers and staff have been added to teams tackling violence against women and girls.
  • Over 100 convictions have been made through the V100 project.
  • The number of charges for rape has doubled since 2022.
  • 389 Stalking Protection Orders have been secured.

Sources:

  • "London: Man jailed for rape and sexual assault after selling 'spiritual treatments' at his Brixton shop" (Source: The Metropolitan Police Department)
  • "Man Arrested for Rape and Sexual Assault" (Source: The Metropolitan Police Department)
  • "Met Police tackling violence against women and girls" (Source: The Metropolitan Police Department)