A man who is alleged to have carried out a string of rapes in the 1980s appeared in court yesterday (Tuesday).
William Wilkie, 55, of Horseshoe Close in Northwood appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court charged with 4 counts of rape of a girl under 16 on the Isle of Wight between 1982-1985.
The offences are alleged to have taken place when he was between 15 and 18 years old.
The matter is so serious that the case has been sent straight to the Crown Court.
Wilkie has been released on unconditional bail and will appear at the Isle of Wight Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 5th September.
UPDATE MAY 2023 – Mr Wilkie was cleared of all charges by a jury, who found him not guilty following a trial in April – https://www.islandecho.co.uk/55-year-old-from-cowes-cleared-of-historic-rapes-after-crown-court-trial/.
What is wrong with this island. Its full of people like him
What is wrong with islanders
Island critic……. You seem to be posting you’re thoughts a lot….. are you ok? Do you need to talk to someone??
If found guilty, could we have the death penalty back? Then we can save some money.
What is wrong with people on this island they’ve gone mad
You do realise this is a common thing all over the country. So stop spamming your hate for the Island.
the more you respond to him the more he trolls
The matters so serious that he’s been released on bail…. These judges don’t make selves
A typical island teenager, they have terrible upbringings down here. I blame the parents.
Nothing to do with Islanders per as such. Big problems in Dewsbury Bfd ,Leeds
One would never be surprised if the girl victims families didn’t pay him a visit now to wish or ensure him bad luck at the trial, if he is still fit enough to attend.
The law is weak for all, not just the evil.
What puzzles me, if these girls know where he lives why hasn’t any of the males in their lives paid this low life a visit?
IF that had happened to any female I knew and cared for, I would not rest knowing that creature was around until I had ensured that it would be impossible for him to do such again.
All this rubbish about the ‘law’ will be harder on you than him, would not mean a hoot to me, as I would know in my heart, that I was doing the right thing and would not care how society saw it.
Seems some very gutless people about now if afraid of breaking very weak laws, which were designed when crims were punished by the law.
Smoke weed every day
You do realise this case is statutory rape not child sexual abuse?
Well the police have done there job they go to court for a sentencing then some clown tried to make us laugh