A FORMER gas worker has been warned to prepare for a prison sentence after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl more than 20 years ago.

Roy Williams, 53, of Marcella Crescent, Marchwiel, denied two charges of indecent assault between 1986 and 1989.

He was cleared of one but convicted of the other by a 10 to two jury majority at Mold Crown Court, with judge Nic Parry adjourning the case for sentence.

Williams was bailed in the meantime with the judge warning he must prepare himself for a custodial sentence upon return.

The complainant told the jury how Williams’ sexual abuse of her had affected her life. Giving evidence, she said she told her husband what had happened and eventually plucked up the courage and went to the police.

Simon Medland, prosecuting, said Williams gave his victim sherry when she was a teenager, exposed himself and showed her a pornographic video.

Williams denied any such incident had happened and said he had no idea why the allegations were being made.

In addition to the evidence of the victim, the jury heard from a friend of hers who she had confided in while they were at school together.

He was cleared of a charge of indecent assault which alleged he touched her sexually under her clothing. Meirion Lewis-Jones, defending, suggested the offences had not happened and claimed the 20-year time gap had affected the victim’s memory.

Williams must now register with the police as a sex offender.