William Goad (12 July 1944 – 20 October 2012) was a British millionaire businessman from Plymouth, Devon, who was imprisoned for life for child rape. He was called in various newspapers "Britain's most prolific paedophile",[2][3] with his assaults causing two of his victims to commit suicide. His abuse spanned 35 years with victims as young as eight.
William Goad | |
|---|---|
 Goad following his arrest in 2003 | |
| Born | 12 July 1944[1] |
| Died | 20 October 2012 (aged 68) HM Prison Albany, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Child rapist |
| Criminal status | Deceased |
| Criminal charge | 14 counts of rape and 2 counts of indecent assault (October 2004) |
| Penalty | Life imprisonment |
Career
Goad opened Cornish Market World in 1991, which became at one point Britain's biggest indoor market with more than 300 stalls.[4]In the mid-1990s Goad launched Ben's Playworld, a children's play zone hosting a range of activities aimed at 2 to 12-year-olds, including mega-slides, giant tubes and a massive ball-pond.[4] Goad's fortune was once estimated to be around £25 million.[5]
Investigation
One of his victims gave statements in the late 80s and early 90s, which led to his first arrest for indecent assault. Goad was put on probation.[5] As a result of increasing statements from victims, a police investigation, Operation Emotion, had opened up. Goad became aware and changed his name to David Scott and moved to the nearby town of Ivybridge.[5] In 1998 he fled to Thailand on a false passport, aware that police were on his tail following new allegations.[6]He was arrested in June 2003 after returning to UK on a false passport.[6] A bank employee had tipped the police off, following his credit card use in the UK.[5] He was arrested while travelling on a train with his financial advisor and business associate; he was immediately rushed to hospital following chest complaints.[5] He required heart surgery before being fit to stand in court.[5] During Goad's ill-health Operation Emotion II had been under way by police and had persuaded 17 victims to testify at trial against him.[5]
Trial and sentence
Goad's trial took place at Plymouth Crown Court.[7] Initially he pleaded not guilty to the charges and claimed he was sexually abused at a younger age.[5] Eventually, following overwhelming evidence and comments from the judge to his legal defence, he pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent assault and 14 counts of rape.[a][6][5] At his sentencing, Martin Meeke QC stated "It is believed there has been no single defendant with more victims than this man".[8] The court described him as a “voracious, calculating, predatory and violent homosexual paedophile” who sexually abused young boys over a 30-year period.[6] Goad was sent to prison for life in October 2004.[2]
Death
Goad died of natural causes at HM Prison Albany on 20 October 2012.[6][9]