BRADFORD SEX OFFENDER CHARLES WOOD SENTENCED AFTER CANAL PATH ASSAULT
A man identified as Charles Wood, a resident of Bradford, has been handed a prison sentence of two and a half years following his conviction for a sexual assault that took place along a canal path.The incident, which occurred on the morning of Tuesday, April 9, 2024, involved Wood approaching a female jogger and subjecting her to a disturbing assault.
Charles Fraser Wood, aged 43 and residing on Huddersfield Road in Bradford, pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault and exposure in connection with the attack.
The victim was running along the canal towpath near Station Road, heading towards Kildwick village, when Wood's actions unfolded.
According to court records, Wood inappropriately touched the woman while simultaneously exposing himself and performing a sex act in her presence.
The woman, despite being deeply shaken and distressed by the ordeal, demonstrated remarkable bravery.
She managed to take a photograph of Wood as he fled the scene, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.
After the attack, she made her way to the nearby main road, where she looked back and saw Wood continuing to expose himself as he concealed himself in some bushes.
Following the incident, the woman sought help from a passing dog walker, who promptly called emergency services.
The dog walker and the victim waited together until police officers arrived at the scene.
The authorities quickly launched an investigation, which included reviewing dash-cam footage submitted by a member of the public in response to a media appeal.
The footage clearly showed a man matching the description and photograph provided by the victim.
Law enforcement agencies across North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire collaborated to identify the suspect.
A West Yorkshire Police officer responsible for monitoring registered sex offenders recognized Wood from the footage and the description.
Two days after the attack, Wood was arrested at his home.
During a search, officers recovered several items, including two green jackets, grey jogging bottoms, a police baton, and a flip knife with a 3.5-inch blade.
Additionally, a pair of camo Nike trainers wrapped in bedding was seized from his vehicle.
The recovered clothing items matched the description and the photograph taken by the victim, linking Wood directly to the scene.
Further investigation revealed that Wood’s mobile phone was present near the location at the time of the assault.
Witnesses also confirmed that Wood was in the area during the incident, strengthening the case against him.
Initially, Wood maintained his innocence and refused to comment during police interviews.
However, he eventually admitted to the charges and pleaded guilty.
His case was heard at York Crown Court on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, where he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
The court also imposed a three-year extended license period and ordered Wood to pay a victim surcharge of £228.
