Novlett Robyn Williams, aged 59, faced accusations of repeatedly failing to meet her sex offender notification requirements following a prior conviction for possessing a child abuse video. However, on the day of her scheduled trial at the Old Bailey, prosecutor Richard Wright KC informed the court that pursuing the case would not be in the public interest.
Citing a recent psychiatric report detailing the detrimental impact of the proceedings on Ms. Williams’ mental health, Wright stated, “After careful consideration, the prosecution has decided that, given the mental health report’s assessment of the effects of these proceedings on Ms. Williams’s well-being, it is no longer in the public interest to proceed with the prosecution.”
The prosecutor requested that the charges be left on file by the court. Defense lawyer Rajiv Menon KC highlighted the significant negative consequences of the case on Ms. Williams, noting her resignation from the Metropolitan Police Service. Menon expressed disappointment that the prosecution sought for the case to be placed on court file instead of presenting no evidence, leading to a formal acquittal for Ms. Williams.
Judge Richard Marks KC commented on the distressing content of the mental health report and opted against formally acquitting Ms. Williams, preferring for the charges to remain on file. However, he assured, “As far as I am concerned, she leaves the court with no stain on her character.” The judge acknowledged the ordeal Ms. Williams had endured and expressed hope for her to rebuild her life following the resolution of the case.
Ms. Williams, recognized for her work during the Grenfell Tower disaster, had previously received 200 hours of community service for possessing an indecent image. The court heard that she had been sent a child abuse video to investigate but failed to report it, leading to her initial conviction. Dismissed from the Metropolitan Police for gross misconduct after a disciplinary hearing, she later successfully appealed against the decision and was reinstated.
Following sentencing, which included placement on the Sex Offenders’ Register, Ms. Williams faced charges of failing to comply with notification requirements. She pleaded not guilty and argued she had a reasonable excuse for the lapses. The prosecution had offered alternative resolutions, but she opted for a Crown Court trial. After a mental health report surfaced, the prosecution reevaluated the case and eventually decided to withdraw, considering the impact on Ms. Williams’ mental well-being.