William Raison, also known as Bill Raison, 75, from Surbiton, was jailed today (Thursday, 17 September) for 12 years, with an additional year on licence, after pleading guilty to seven charges of sexual abuse against a young girl known to him. The sentencing took place at Guildford Crown Court, where the judge described the abuse as “deplorable, systematic abuse” that lasted for about a year.
Details of the abuse and charges
Raison was arrested in February 2025 after the survivor confided in her family about the abuse. In April, he was charged with two counts of sexual assault by penetration of a girl under 13, four counts of sexual assault of a girl under 13, and making 216 Category C indecent images of children. The charges related to incidents that occurred over approximately one year.
During a police interview, the survivor described pretending to be asleep when Raison entered the room because she wanted to see what he would do if he thought she was asleep. She stated that if he did anything bad, she wanted to tell someone so it would not happen to anyone else. On one occasion, when she challenged him directly, he replied dismissively: “It doesn’t matter. Just don’t tell anyone.”
Investigation and guilty plea
Police said Raison used those seven words in an attempt to absolve himself of blame and make the child complicit in covering up his acts. Investigating officer DC Kiki Phillips stated that Raison used grooming behaviours to facilitate the abuse on numerous occasions while encouraging the victim to keep quiet.
The survivor's clear and detailed testimony allowed officers to pinpoint both forensic and digital forensic evidence against Raison. Facing a wealth of accrued evidence, Raison pleaded guilty to all seven charges at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, 19 June.
Sentencing and protective measures
In addition to the 12-year custodial sentence and the extra year on licence, the court granted a lifelong restraining order to protect the survivor and her family, along with a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). These measures are designed to prevent Raison from contacting the victim or engaging in similar behaviour in the future.
DC Phillips praised the survivor's courage throughout the investigation, stating: “I hope that the survivor and her family can seek some solace in knowing that Raison is behind bars and unable to harm anyone else, thanks to her courage. I wish the survivor the best in achieving her aspirations and hope she recognises how many lives she's saved.”
Police reminder to victims
Police reminded the public that it is never too late for victims of sexual offences to report crimes. They encourage anyone who has experienced abuse to come forward, assuring that support is available and that perpetrators can be brought to justice regardless of when the offence occurred.
