Monster Ties Elderly Victim for Over Two Days in Shocking Home Invasion
Billy Williams, 29, shackled and gagged an elderly woman so tightly she was trapped to a chair for more than 48 hours. Her desperate plight was only uncovered after worried relatives alerted police.
Terrifying Ordeal Near Maidstone
The nightmare began around 6pm on Sunday, 4 April 2021. The victim spotted Williams lurking suspiciously near her home in Maidstone. Claiming he’d lost a bottle from his bike, Williams asked the pensioner for water. When she turned to go inside, he jumped the gate, clamped a hand over her mouth, and pressed a chisel to her neck.
Williams demanded money and valuables, dragging her through several rooms at knifepoint and sexually assaulting her. After ransacking the house, he bound her hands, ankles, and neck with wiring and tape so tightly she could barely breathe. Her mouth was stuffed with material, silencing her cries for help. He then doused her in alcohol from bottles in the living room before fleeing with cash, a laptop, and a stolen suit protector case.
Rescue and Investigation Uncover Chilling Evidence
Two days later, on 6 April, police were called after the victim’s family failed to get in touch. Officers found the front door open and the woman gagged and tied to her chair—now toppled over. She was dehydrated with multiple cuts and bruises.
Kent and Essex’s Serious Crime Directorate launched an investigation. A witness who saw Williams locally that day identified him at an ID parade. Forensic tests matched his DNA to a sherry bottle used to soak the victim, and CCTV showed him cycling with the stolen suit case piled high.
Convicted and Sentenced to Life
Williams was arrested on 20 April 2021. He admitted being the man on CCTV but claimed the case contained “an awning” found in a hedge. Charged with aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, sexual assault, plus another separate burglary, he pleaded not guilty.
At Maidstone Crown Court, a unanimous jury found him guilty on all counts. During the trial, he attempted to escape custody but was caught after a dramatic struggle.
Williams also pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody and assaulting emergency workers, as well as assaulting a fellow inmate while at HMP Peterborough 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 and subjected her to a horrific ordeal. He brutally beat, threatened, and tormented her before leaving her bound and gagged, with little chance of survival if she hadn’t been found. This dangerous man shows no remorse and today’s sentence ensures he will be behind bars for a long time.”
