Overview

• Bernard Williams, 77, was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court to nine years in prison and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life after being found guilty of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault.
• Known as “Papa B,” he ran the Original Products shop in Market Row for over 30 years and exploited his reputation as a spiritual elder to build trust with vulnerable clients.
• In January 2021 Williams visited a woman’s home under the pretext of exorcising a deadly spirit and raped her after insisting sexual acts were part of the healing process.
• Between November 2020 and January 2021 the victim spent more than £13,000 on remedies and consultations as Williams claimed his treatments would save her life.
• Detective Inspector Tom Palmer said officers suspect Williams may have abused other clients during his decades-long practice and are seeking further survivors to support ongoing investigations.