Award-winning tour guide Joseph Luke Williams jailed for twelve years after sexually assaulting six women

Award-winning Aboriginal tour operator Joseph Luke Williams has been jailed for 12 years over 12 counts of sexual assault involving six women. The 58-year-old former Poornarti Aboriginal Tours operator was sentenced in Albany District Court via video link from Casuarina Prison yesterday after he was convicted of 11 counts of sexual penetration without consent and one count of indecent assault. The self-proclaimed “healer” from Denmark preyed on six women between the ages of 18 and 34 gaining each woman’s trust after they sought his help with personal problems such as fertility issues, trauma and grief. Some of the offences involved penetration by rocks which he claimed had healing powers. Williams was convicted on March 4 after an 11-person jury deliberated for more than eight hours. State prosecutor Beau Sertorio proved Williams assaulted six women between 2010 and 2014 in Denmark, Stirling Range National Park, Perth and Broome. Yesterday, Judge Christopher Stevenson delivered lengthy sentencing remarks after what he described as an “overwhelming case”. “It’s no good shaking your head Mr Williams,” Judge Stevenson said during his sentencing remarks. He said it was apparent from a psychological report that Williams had not shown remorse or full understanding of the seriousness of his offending. The report said Williams was a “self-confident” man who believed he was a victim of the court process and that the victims had conspired against him. Judge Stevenson said Williams had “preyed on vulnerable women who were seeking solace”. “It was significant serious sexual abuse aggravated for reasons from the State which include personal vulnerability, age disparity ... the victims were Caucasian which limited their exposure and experience to traditional Aboriginal ways, making them a target,” Judge Stevenson said. “There was a degree of calculation, planning and similarity in grooming behaviour.” Judge Stevenson acknowledged Williams’ personal history of childhood sexual abuse and positive references from community members who continued to support him. He thanked the six victims for coming forward. “There was a great deal of courage for the victims,” Judge Stevenson said. “They have made the community a better and safer place by speaking out ... their credibility was compelling and consistent with the verdict of the jury.” A community member who expressed disgust after the sentence was handed down was told by Judge Stevenson to keep their comments to themselves or leave the courtroom. Before the video link was terminated, Williams covered his face with his shirt and wiped away tears.