ALAN WOOD

Alan Wood, aged 60, systematically abused six children, predominantly boys, over a period spanning from approximately 1980 to 2010.

He lured his young victims to his residence by offering toys and video games as bait.

Once they were there, he coerced them into engaging in degrading sexual acts and even subjected some to physical torture to satisfy his sexual urges.

Despite numerous victims coming forward with testimonies, Wood denied all allegations of misconduct.

However, after a trial at Leeds Crown Court, he was convicted of over 40 charges and sentenced to a total of 28 years in prison.

The court was informed that Wood, who resided on King Edward Avenue in Horsforth, had cerebral palsy affecting the right side of his body and his speech.

Judge Ray Singh addressed him, stating that, notwithstanding his disabilities, they did not prevent him from engaging in widespread sexual abuse of young children.

The judge described the impact on the victims as profoundly damaging.

The court noted that Wood exhibited signs of significant grooming, earning both the children and their parents' trust by presenting himself as a helpful community member.

He would often invite children to his house, which was stocked with the latest video games and Star Wars toys, and would also assist in fixing their bikes.

His home became an attractive environment for children, who were introduced to abuse through forced viewing of pornographic videos.

Wood would manipulate them into obedience by promising toys or games in exchange for complying with his demands, which eventually led to sexual acts, including rape for some victims as young as seven.

As his trust increased, his behavior turned cruel and threatening, with reports that he electrocuted some children with an electric device, causing them to wet themselves.

He professed love for his victims and insisted that the abuse remain secret.

His victims included five boys, a young girl, and a vulnerable woman.

He faced multiple charges, including two counts of rape, seven counts of attempted rape, 27 counts of indecent assault, and additional counts related to sexual assault, possession of illegal images, and gross indecency.

The judge sentenced Wood to 27 years imprisonment with an additional one-year extended licence.

He was required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before eligibility for parole and was placed on the sex offender register for life.