A ‘despicable’ predator who sexually abused a child over the period of a year has been sentenced to 14 years behind bars.

William Perkins, 30, was convicted of rape, eight counts of assault by penetration, and sexual assault following a seven-day trial that concluded at Hull Crown Court on Wednesday November 11.

Perkins came to the attention of officers after Humberside Police received a report that that a child had disclosed a series of sexual abuse that they had been subjected to by him.

Following the report Perkins was swiftly arrested and interviewed.

He denied all allegations of rape throughout the investigation but admitted to the allegations of sexual assault by penetration of a child.

Perkins, of Keyingham in East Yorkshire, was charged with rape, fifteen counts of sexual assault by penetration, and sexual assault in June 2026.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier court hearing to eight counts of assault by penetration but forced proceedings to trial by denying the charges of rape of a girl between 13- and 15-years-old, and sexual assault, and a trial was set where he was found guilty by a jury on all other counts.

Following his sentencing, Perkins was also ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Leading the investigation, Detective Sergeant Addison Lloyd said: “I would like to start by highlighting the remarkable unwavering courage and bravery demonstrated by the child in this case; her commendable behaviour is in stark contrast to the despicable crimes that Perkins has committed.

“Perkins was a teacher in a school at the time of the abuse; he held a position of trust and whilst none of his offending happened in the workplace he still violated this through his despicable actions.

“Remarkably Perkins admitted to some child sexual offences but denied a sexual interest in children along with the allegations of rape.

“His refusal to admit what he had done, led to the case being forced to trial, and this selfish act only extended the suffering for the child that he abused. I am incredibly grateful for all her and her families’ efforts, as without their vital evidence we would not have been able to bring Perkins in front of the courts.

“We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and we will continue to seek justice for those who have suffered at the hands of predators like Perkins.

“Our specialist trained officers work closely with partnering and support agencies across the region to support victims and survivors, as well as prevent and bring justice to perpetrators of sexual crimes of any nature.

“When ready, we urge victims to come forward and tell someone, report these crimes to the police and we will do everything we can to hold those accountable.”