DAVID WOOD FROM SUNDERLAND AND SPAIN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AFTER DECADES-LONG WAIT

In a case that spanned nearly three decades, David Wood, a man originally from Sunderland who has spent time living abroad in Spain, has been sentenced to prison for serious sexual offenses committed against a young girl in the early 1990s. The lengthy legal process culminated in his conviction at Newcastle Crown Court in July 2019, bringing a measure of justice to the victim who endured years of trauma.

Wood, now aged 62, faced charges of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child, all relating to the same underage girl. Despite denying the allegations, he was found guilty by a jury after a trial held in July. The court heard that the offenses took place during the early 1990s, a period during which the victim was a schoolgirl. It was only in 2017 that she gained the confidence to come forward and report the abuse to the police, a step that eventually led to Wood’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Julie Clemitson sentenced Wood to six years in prison. Additionally, she ordered him to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and imposed a sexual harm prevention order to restrict his activities and contact with minors. The judge acknowledged the profound and lasting impact the abuse had on the victim, stating, “She hated you for what you had done,” and emphasizing that Wood’s actions had a significant and enduring effect on her life.

Despite the severity of the crimes, Judge Clemitson noted that Wood, who has no previous convictions and has maintained a clean record before and after the offenses, “no longer presents a substantial risk towards children.” She also considered character references presented to the court, which highlighted aspects of Wood’s personality, including his loyalty and work ethic. The defense, represented by Sue Hirst, explained that Wood had left his life in Tenerife after the charges surfaced. Hirst added that Wood’s partner, with whom he had been in a relationship for over three years, had returned from Tenerife and was now supporting him as they faced the challenge of rebuilding their lives in the UK.

Throughout the proceedings, the court was informed that Wood had previously lived in Sunderland before relocating abroad. The case drew attention to the long delay between the commission of the offenses and the eventual conviction, underscoring the importance of perseverance in seeking justice for victims of childhood abuse. The sentencing marked a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to hold offenders accountable, regardless of how much time has passed since their crimes were committed.