Former children’s home worker jailed for 13 years over historic child sex abuse

A former staff member at a Hampshire children’s home has been jailed for 13 years after being convicted of historic sexual offences against a child in his care.

Willy John Gillham, 73, of Park Lane, Camberley, Surrey, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Monday 26 January after being found guilty of buggery and indecent assault against a boy under the age of 16.

The offences took place between 1981 and 1982 while Gillham was working at the former Palmerston House children’s home on Botley Road, Romsey. The home had closed before Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary began its investigation.

Gillham was convicted following a trial at Winchester Crown Court on Monday 12 January.

The court heard that Gillham had previously been jailed in 2017 after a jury found him guilty of raping a boy at the same children’s home during the 1980s. He served seven-and-a-half years of a 15-year sentence for those offences.

In 2023, another man came forward to police, reporting that he too had been sexually assaulted by Gillham while he was a child under Gillham’s care at Palmerston House.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary launched a fresh investigation, during which Gillham was interviewed while still in prison. Weeks after his release, he was served with a postal requisition requiring him to attend court to face charges relating to the newly reported offences.

Detective Constable Craig Rainsley said:

“Gillham’s victim was in a setting where he should have been safe and cared for, but Gillham abused his authority and betrayed him in the worst way possible.

“The victim in this case has shown great courage in speaking with police, and I would like to commend their bravery throughout this investigation and subsequent trial.

“I am pleased that he has been brought to justice, and I hope this encourages other members of our community who have experienced such abuse to come forward.

“It doesn’t matter how long ago it was, you will be listened to and we will investigate.”

Police are encouraging anyone who has been affected by sexual abuse to report it by calling 101. Further information on independent support services is available via Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s website.