Plymouth Man Jailed for Historic Sexual Abuse of Child

A Plymouth man has been jailed after admitting to numerous counts of historic sexual abuse against a child. The incidents occurred in Bristol when Wayne Willis was a teenager.

Willis, whose address was listed as Belmont Guest House on Plymouth Hoe, was described as "feral" when he sexually abused the young girl, who was half his age at the time. The girl's mother was ultimately able to stop contact between them.

Willis, now aged 52, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of indecent assault and gross indecency, according to BristolLive reports. Judge Michael Cullum sentenced him to four years and ten months in prison.

The judge stated, "Offenses such as this have an enormous, life-long, damaging effect. It is obvious, it is unsurprising that from 13 to 21 there was very acute, dramatic suffering (for the complainant). Her mental health was very significantly affected."

Willis was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, prohibited from working with children and vulnerable adults, and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order designed to prevent reoffending. An indefinite restraining order was also issued, barring him from all contact with the victim.

The court heard that Willis himself suffered abuse as a child and went on to abuse the young girl. He reportedly gained her trust by showing her attention, giving her sweets, and doing favors for her, which enabled him to commit serious indecent assaults.

Mark Worsley, defending Willis, emphasized that his client had not used alcohol or drugs to groom the girl and had not threatened her with violence. Mr. Worsley said, "He does not recall the acts. He accepts everything he did. He has expressed remorse."

The court heard that Willis suffers from anxiety, depression, and heart problems. Mr. Worsley stated that Willis understood his fate after admitting to his crimes.