Pelham senior to be sentenced on sex charges

A 74-year-old Pelham man who plied teenage boys with alcohol and marijuana before sexually assaulting them will learn his fate on Tuesday.

William “Red” Child pleaded guilty Thursday in a Superior Court of Justice in Welland to several sex-related offences which occurred between 1975 and 1994. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 23.

Between 1988 and 1994, court was told, Child would have parties at his rural Pelham home and supply alcohol, marijuana and cocaine to his teenage guests. He would gain the confidence of the boys by repairing their dirt bikes and letting them party at his house.

One victim was between the ages of 15 and 17 when Child assaulted him. Court was told the victim recalls at least three occasions when Child gave him alcohol and then molested him.

A second victim, who also attended the parties, said Child molested him several times starting when he was 13. In each instance, the teenager was highly intoxicated.

Child was originally arrested in August 2012.

Police re-opened their investigation after additional complainants came forward. He was arrested a second time in March 2015 after two men reported Child had molested them repeatedly between 1975 and 1977.

“The court process is extremely taxing on victims of sexual abuse,” said Det. Const. Mike Ryan, of the Niagara Regional Police. “I am very proud of the four men that came forward and admire the strength they displayed throughout this grueling five year court process.”

Child was placed on probation in 1960 after he was convicted of indecent assault on a male.