Man jailed for historic child sexual abuse at former Romsey children’s home

A former staff member at a Hampshire children’s home, who had previously been imprisoned for non-recent child sex offences, has been jailed for 13 years.

Willy John Gillham, 73, of Park Lane, Camberley, Surrey, was found guilty of buggery and indecent assault against a boy under the age of 16 on Monday 12 January following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.

The court heard that Gillham committed the offences between 1981 and 1982, while he was working at the former Palmerston House children’s home on Botley Road, Romsey.

The home had already closed prior to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary investigation.

Gillham was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court yesterday (Monday 26 January).

The court heard that Gillham had previously been jailed in 2017 after being found guilty by a jury of raping a boy at the home in the 1980s. He served seven-and-a-half years of a 15-year sentence.

In 2023, a man reported that he too had been assaulted by Gillham when he was a child under Gillham’s care at Palmerston House. 

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary opened a new investigation, and Gillham was interviewed in prison.

Weeks after his release, he was served with a postal requisition to attend court and face charges for the newly reported offences.

Yesterday he received a sentence of 13 years’ imprisonment.

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.”

We encourage anyone who has been affected by sexual abuse to report this to police on 101. You can also visit our website for more information on how to seek independent support: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/