STORY
Anthony Williams, a 40-year-old man from Gloucester, has had his prison sentence increased from eight to twelve years after the Court of Appeal deemed his original punishment unduly lenient. Williams was convicted of multiple sexual offences committed under the guise of professional photography sessions. Between July and December 2021, Williams contacted women online, presenting himself as a professional photographer. He invited them to his home, which he had set up as a makeshift studio, and during these sessions, he encouraged the women to undress before sexually assaulting them. In total, he committed 17 attacks over nine photoshoots.
In January 2025, Williams was found guilty at Gloucester Crown Court of 14 counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of rape. He was initially sentenced to eight years in prison and given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Following a referral by the Solicitor General under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, the Court of Appeal reviewed the case. On 15 April 2025, the court increased Williams’ sentence to 12 years. The Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP, stated:
“Williams exploited and manipulated women into thinking they were taking part in professional photo shoots but this was just part of a grim scheme to brutally assault them for his own sexual gratification. Protecting women and girls is an absolute priority for this government and I would like to offer my sympathies to the victims. I welcome the court’s increase to this sentence.”
Victim impact statements highlighted the profound effect of Williams’ actions on the survivors’ mental health. One victim described feeling “like a mere shadow” of her former self.