Man Held Elderly Woman Hostage for Two Days in Shocking Home Invasion
Billy Williams shocked Maidstone locals after he bound and gagged an elderly victim so tightly she was trapped in a chair for over two days. She was only rescued when worried family members alerted police.
Victim Held at Knifepoint and Sexually Assaulted
The horror began around 6pm on Sunday, 4 April 2021. The victim spotted the 29-year-old Williams lurking suspiciously near her property in Headcorn. Williams claimed he had lost a bottle from his bike and asked for water. When she turned away, he vaulted over her gate, forced a chisel to her neck, and silenced her with his hand over her mouth.
Williams repeatedly demanded money and valuables, dragged the terrified woman through multiple rooms, and threatened her with a knife at her face and stomach. He also sexually assaulted her during the ordeal.
Bound, Gagged and Left Drenched in Alcohol
After ransacking the house, Williams tied the victim’s hands, ankles, and neck tightly with wiring and tape. He gagged her mouth with material, cutting off her ability to cry for help and leaving her gasping for air. He then doused her in alcohol before fleeing with cash, a laptop, and a suit protector case to carry the loot.
Police Arrest Williams After CCTV and Witnesses Nail Him
Two days later, on 6 April, police were called following concerns the victim couldn’t be reached. Officers found an open door and the woman, dehydrated and bruised, still bound in her chair. An investigation led by Kent and Essex Serious Crime units uncovered CCTV footage showing Williams riding a bike with the stolen suit case. His DNA was found on a sherry bottle used to drench the victim.
Arrested on 20 April, Williams admitted being on the bike but tried to claim he was carrying an “awning” found in a hedge. He faced charges including aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, sexual assault, plus a separate burglary committed the same day.
Convicted Criminal Sentenced to Life—Tries to Escape During Trial
Williams denied all charges but was found guilty on every count by a unanimous jury at Maidstone Crown Court. During the trial, on 13 December 2021, he attempted a daring escape from custody but was tackled by police and court officers.
He later pleaded guilty to additional charges of escaping lawful custody and assaulting emergency workers. He also admitted assaulting a fellow inmate in 2020.
On 8 April 2022, Southwark Crown Court sentenced Williams to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber said: “Williams targeted a vulnerable woman in her own home and subjected her to a terrifying ordeal. He threatened and tormented her, leaving her bound with little hope of rescue. He’s an extremely dangerous man with a history of violence and no remorse. This sentence will keep him behind bars for a significant time.”
