'Professional photographer' jailed for rape and sexual assault
Anthony Williams, 40, has been jailed for 12 years
A Gloucestershire man who raped a woman and sexually assaulted several others has been jailed.
Anthony Williams, of Lobleys Drive in Brockworth, targeted woman by posing as a professional photographer and asking them to take part in photoshoots.
The 40-year-old was sentenced to eight years in prison after a four week trial earlier this year - but this was appealed and it's since been increased to twelve years.
The case
Gloucestershire Police have detailed the case, which came about after one woman reported to police about what Williams had done to her, an investigation was launched by Gloucestershire Police's Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team and several other victims were identified.
He was subsequently charged with 17 counts relating to nine women.
These charges included one count of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and 14 other sexual offences relating to touching without consent, and after a four week trial, a jury found him guilty of all three of the offences.
On 22 January this year he was sentenced to eight years in prison.
This sentence was appealed under the Unduly Lenient Sentencing scheme and the Attorney General sent the case to the Court of Appeal. The sentence has since been increased from eight years to 12 years.
During his trial, the court heard how Williams targeted women by messaging them on Instagram using a photography business account he had set-up and offered his services as a photographer.
In November 2021 one of the women reported to police what Williams had done to her. A second woman then also came forward and made a report to police.
Officers arrested Williams and he was interviewed in relation to the two victims. He provided a statement to say he had consensually digitally penetrated one of the victims, and denied sexually assaulting the second woman.
A search of his home studio in Lobleys Drive, Brockworth took place, and paperwork was seized which detailed photoshoot contracts with several other women.
Efforts were made by the investigating officer to contact all of them, and as a result seven other victims were identified, one of whom Williams had raped in July 2021.
The women live across the country and they all agreed to take part in police video interviews, detailing what Williams had done to them, which were played in court.
The offences took place over a six month period in 2021.
In one photoshoot Williams put his hand around a woman's throat, sexually assaulted her and then raped her.
In other instances he was seen to have an erection during photoshoots and would make inappropriate sexualised comments.
He would adjust women's clothing, often without their consent, and sexually assaulted them in the process.
Williams gave evidence in court and said that if he had touched anyone when adjusting clothing, that it was not intentional. He also claimed some of the offences were consensual.
The jury did not agree and he was found guilty on 11 October 2024. He had previous convictions for theft and fraud offences.
Along with the jail term he was given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order which includes banning him from engaging in any business, paid or unpaid, concerning the taking of any photographic or video image of a member of the public using any device. He will also be on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.
'Incredibly brave'
Investigating Officer Detective Constable Simone Bowley said: "Williams targeted these women online, sexually assaulted them, and then by failing to admit what he had done to them caused them all to endure a lengthy trial.
"The women who came forward and worked with us throughout this prolonged and difficult process have not just been incredibly brave but also patient. I wish to personally commend them and thank them for their courage.
"If someone has sexually assaulted you, we do not underestimate how difficult it is to come forward and report something, but please know that we have a dedicated team who investigate crimes like this and who are determined to put sexual offenders such as Williams behind bars."
'Completely irreparable'
After his sentence was increased, the first woman who came forward said: "The damage caused to me by Williams is completely irreparable. My family's life was torn apart.
"I walked into his studio the happiest, most confident I'd been for years. My life was awesome and he was meant to help complete my goal of becoming a model.
"Instead he shattered my confidence, caused Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and made me feel as if my life was over. Not to mention he dragged us all through the gruelling justice system and to be cross-examined.
"I am proud I came forward and reported him and I never gave up. Trust me I wanted to. I'm proud that he will remain in prison as my daughter enters adulthood and I've kept other women safe.
"To the other women in this case - I couldn't have done it without you and I'm thankful you stood with me."
Statements from all nine women were read to the court during Williams' sentencing, which detailed the impact his offending had on them.
Police have specially trained officers who can provide support and investigate these type of offences.
Call 999 in an emergency, report by calling 101 or online here.
Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre provide support for all victims and survivors of sexual violence, for more information visit this website.