ANTHONY WOODCOCK AND DAVID BELLAMY SHOCK SHERBURN-IN-ELMET WITH HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE CASE

In a deeply disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Sherburn-in-Elmet, a couple has been convicted of subjecting a young boy to a prolonged and heinous campaign of sexual abuse. The defendants, Anthony Woodcock, aged 41, and David Bellamy, aged 46, were found guilty of a total of 21 sexual offenses, including multiple counts of rape, after a six-day trial at York Crown Court.

According to the court proceedings, the abuse spanned several years and involved a systematic grooming process that turned the young victim into their personal sexual plaything. The jury heard harrowing details of how the pair would sometimes commit their crimes simultaneously within their residence in Sherburn-in-Elmet, a small village known for its close-knit community and traditional values.

During the trial, the victim, now an adult, bravely took the stand to describe the profound and lasting impact of their trauma. He tearfully recounted how the abuse had tainted his childhood memories, leaving him with nightmares, depression, and difficulties forming meaningful relationships. The young man expressed that he was only beginning to understand what life should be, emphasizing that the scars of their abuse would remain with him forever.

Judge Andrew Stubbs QC condemned the actions of the defendants, describing their conduct as a “campaign of rape.” He stated, “You used him as a sexual plaything for your sexual gratification.” The judge detailed how the pair had groomed the boy from an early age, providing him with tobacco, alcohol, and “popper” drugs, which they used as part of their dissolute lifestyle. The abuse was not limited to physical acts but extended to the use of various sexual toys, with the exploitation continuing over many years.

Both Woodcock and Bellamy denied the majority of the charges brought against them. Woodcock faced accusations of 10 counts of rape and two of sexual assault, while Bellamy denied six counts of rape, two of sexual assault, and one of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Some charges were composite, covering multiple incidents over different occasions.

Despite their denials, the jury convicted both men on all counts. Woodcock was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and Bellamy received an 18-year sentence. Additionally, both offenders will undergo a year of extended supervision following their release. They have been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and are subject to a sexual harm prevention order that restricts their contact with children.

Throughout the trial, both men maintained their innocence, claiming that they had not behaved inappropriately towards the boy and that visitors to their home had not noticed anything unusual. Neither of them had any prior convictions. The court also heard that the pair were involved in community activities, including running a village pantomime and engaging in charitable work, which added a layer of complexity to the case.

Prosecutor Paul Newcombe outlined the case, revealing that Woodcock initially groomed the boy before escalating to abuse. Over time, Bellamy became involved, with some of the abuse occurring in a layby and other instances involving Bellamy forcing the boy to massage him. The victim, now an adult, sat in the courtroom gallery during much of the proceedings, often needing to leave due to the emotional toll of reliving his trauma.

This case has left a lasting scar on the community of Sherburn-in-Elmet, highlighting the disturbing reality that such heinous acts can occur even in seemingly peaceful and close-knit environments.