'Vile' Yorkshire sex predator died behind bars just months into 10-year sentence
A paedophile described by his victim as a “monster” died behind bars just months into a lengthy jail sentence.
William Greenfield was handed 10 years behind bars but succumbed to cancer, a report by the Prison & Probation Ombudsman (PPO) confirmed.
He had advanced prostate and bladder cancer and died on December 6, 2025, while a prisoner at HMP Moorland in Durham.
Ischaemic heart disease contributed to his death, the report suggested. An inquest during the summer also concluded that he died from natural causes.
The PPO concluded that Greenfield, who died five days before his 79th birthday, received the same treatment he could have expected in the community, so no recommendations were made.
Greenfield was jailed in April last year, having been guilty of nine counts of indecent assault and two of sexual activity with a child. There were two victims who came forward.
One described him as a “monster”, adding: “The nightmares I have, the depression - I just want it all to go away.
“You have no idea what you have done to me. All I wanted was one day when I just did not want to die.
“Do you know how that feels? No, because you have no heart.
“I hope you rot. After today I never want to hear your name. You are a vile, evil, disgusting human being.”
His second victim told the court she had “carried this for 28 years” and had been ostracised because of Greenfield’s sickening abuse.
The court was told he abused the young girls for decades, touching them sexually and making them touch him.
It only came to light when one of them confronted him when she was an adult.
Greenfield, of Duke of York Avenue, Wakefield, maintained his innocence, despite the jury’s verdicts.
The judge at the time, the Recorder of Leeds Guy Kearl KC, conceded the sentence was regrettably shorter due to the more-relaxed legislation at the time of his offending in the 1980s and 1990s, to which he had to be sentenced under.
He told Greenfield: “You have heard the damage you have caused to the lives of these women. It’s immeasurable.
“It lasted 25 years and involved two different children. You still have no insight into your offending, nor have you any remorse for your actions.”