ALAN WOODWARD LEOMINSTER SEX OFFENDER BREACHES RESTRICTIONS AND STAYS WITH CHILD DURING CHRISTMAS

In a serious breach of his legal restrictions, Alan John Woodward, a 52-year-old registered sex offender from Leominster, found himself in trouble after violating the conditions of his restraining order on multiple occasions. The order explicitly prohibited him from entering or remaining in any property where a child under the age of five was present. Despite these clear restrictions, Woodward managed to stay in the same house as a young girl on three separate occasions, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of the child involved.

According to proceedings at Hereford Magistrates Court, no harm was reported or caused to the child during these incidents. The court was informed last week that Woodward had entered into a new romantic relationship with a woman and had spent the Christmas period staying overnight at her residence, along with her five-year-old daughter. This situation was particularly troubling given his previous convictions and the restrictions placed upon him.

The woman involved in the relationship eventually ended it after discovering details of Woodward’s past conviction on the internet. Her decision to sever ties was influenced by her concern over the potential risks associated with his presence around her child. The authorities, during their investigation, revealed that Woodward had refused to disclose the identity of his new partner to the officer managing his case. Prosecutor Adrian Jones explained that Woodward claimed he had made full disclosure to the woman and that she wished to continue the relationship.

“Woodward told his offending manager that he had made full disclosure to the woman and that she wanted to continue the relationship,” Mr. Jones stated. “He was reminded of the terms of his order and the consequences of breaching it. However, he did not provide the manager with the necessary details about the woman to allow further investigation.”

Subsequent inquiries by authorities identified the woman and confirmed her address. She stated that she had started her relationship with Woodward in October, and they were still in the early stages of their relationship at that time. She also confirmed that Woodward had stayed at her home on three occasions while her daughter was present. Although she emphasized that there was no inappropriate conduct during these visits, her concern grew after she conducted a Google search and uncovered details about Woodward’s criminal history. This discovery led her to end the relationship.

During his court appearance, Woodward offered only one explanation for his actions: that he was “head over heels in love” with the woman. The magistrates, taking into account the breach of the restraining order and the potential risk posed, sentenced him to a fine of £265, along with a £30 victim surcharge and £185 in court costs. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and enforcing restrictions on convicted sex offenders, especially when they attempt to re-establish relationships that could jeopardize public safety.