‘Ghost-game’ paedophile has jail term increased

A PAEDOPHILE who pretended to be a ghost when he abused boys as young as six has had his “unduly lenient” jail term increased by top judges.

John Mark Williams “robbed” his two young victims of their childhood by making them play hide and seek while naked and abusing them.

The 50-year-old was jailed for five years at Swansea Crown Court on June 2 after he pleaded guilty to 16 charges of indecent assault.

But the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC, referred his sentence to London’s Court of Appeal, arguing it was far too lenient. Three senior judges, sitting yesterday, agreed, and increased the jail term to seven years.

Williams was under 18 when he abused his two male victims more than 30 years ago. During his sentencing hearing earlier this year prosecutor Richard Ace said: “He got the boys to play hide and seek while naked and would pretend to be a ghost with a sheet on his head. He would get the boys to engage in a variety of acts.”

Paul Jarvis, for the Solicitor General, pointed to the number of offences and there being two victims.

Williams’ crimes warranted a “significantly longer sentence” than five years, he argued.

Ian Wright, for Williams, denied that his punishment was “lenient”.

Williams, of Llanfaes, Ystradgynlais, is married and is his wife’s carer.

Lord Justice Davis, sitting with Mr Justice Stuart-Smith and Mr Justice Soole, concluded: “The very least sentence that can properly be imposed is one of seven years’ imprisonment.”