Elder 'Papa B' jailed for rape and sexual assault

A man who ran a store in Brixton and was seen as an elder in the community has been sentenced to a nine-year jail term for rape and sexual assault.

Bernard Williams, 77, ran the Original Products store in Market Row, south-west London for more than 30 years and was well-known in the community.

Williams convinced a woman who came to his shop seeking spiritual treatment of his "healing capability" to spend more than £13,000 in remedies. He then told her she needed to have sex to remove spirits inside her, the Metropolitan Police said.

Following an eight-day trial, Williams was convicted of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault, at Harrow Crown Court on Friday.

Det Insp Tom Palmer, who led the Met's investigation, said: "Williams' offending is shocking.

"He abused the trust of the victim, which was built on the respect he had gained within the community, to get close to them and commit the offences."

He added: "I would like to commend the victim on her strength throughout the investigation and thank her for her support throughout the court processes.

According to police, the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, became unwell in November 2020 and visited his shop after she was recommended spiritual treatment.

Williams told her she had a spirit inside her which would eventually kill her.

He slowly persuaded her of his ability to heal, leading her to buy a "guard ring" and healing bath from him, and to have her mother's house "cleaned of spirits", all of which cost her and her family more than £13,000.

The defendant then started telling her she needed to have sex to remove the spirit.

On 12 January 2021, Williams showed up at the victim's house to "anoint" her, and sexually assaulted and raped her, the Met said.

After the attack, the defendant maintained contact with the woman and eventually told her the process had not worked and that the spirit had returned.

Detectives suspect he may have abused his position to abuse other women.

They would like to speak to anyone who may have bought services from him at his store.

"We are concerned, given the number of clients 'Papa B' may have assisted, his position the community for 30 years, and his distinctive methods, there may be further victim-survivors who have not yet come forward," added Det Insp Tom Palmer.

"I would encourage anyone affected to get in contact with us if you feel able – you will be listened to and receive specialist support and guidance, not only from the police but independent charities and services."

Williams was also placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

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