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UK News

Former vicar on trial for rape

by Hannah Tooley

74-year-old Frederick Williams, of Central Street, Ludgershall is on trial at Salisbury Crown Court facing two charges of rape, indecency with a child under 14 and indecent assault.

He denies the charges.

The charges relate to one alleged victim and are alleged to have taken place in the 1970's.

The former-vicar has been found not guilty by jury on one count of rape.

The alleged victim told the court that she babysat for Mr Williams in Ludgershall and says the alleged offences took place in his home.

She says that as a young girl she was forced to perform sexual acts on him and was told not to tell anyone.

The alleged victim says they are not sure of the dates or exact age when the alleged offences took place.

Salisbury Crown Court also heard how the alleged victim experienced flashbacks and nightmares.

Mr Williams was ordained in 1988, according to The Salisbury Journal, and moved from overseas to work as a civil servant and a salesperson.

In 2015, he returned to Ludgershall and the authorities were made aware of the allegations after a letter was sent to the defendant by the alleged victim.

The court was told the letter asked Mr Williams to leave the area or admit 'abuse'.

Williams contacted police and was interviewed, he denied allegations, saying the "thought offends me."

The trial continues.

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