DAVID WOODCOCK FROM BARNSLEY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SHEFFIELD CROWN COURT
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Barnsley and the surrounding areas, David Woodcock, a 38-year-old man from Tower Street, Worsbrough Common, was sentenced to prison after engaging in a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl he had been communicating with via Facebook.The incident, which took place in April 2019, was brought to light during a court hearing at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday, July 9.
Prosecutor Andrew Bailey outlined the details of the case, revealing that Woodcock initially contacted the young girl through social media.
Their online conversations gradually took a sexual turn, with Woodcock asking to meet her in person.
The court was informed that the meeting occurred in Cudworth, a locality within Barnsley, where Woodcock met the girl and subsequently led her into nearby woods.
During this encounter, Woodcock committed serious sexual offenses, including groping her and engaging in oral sex and intercourse.
The court heard that the girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was only 13 years old at the time.
The case was characterized by the grooming process, with Judge David Dixon emphasizing the troubling nature of the communication, stating, “There was quite clearly a grooming process here.
Chatting to a 13-year-old girl, by a man of your age, is worrying in itself.” Woodcock pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child, acknowledging his involvement in the offenses.
His defense, represented by Vanessa Saxton, admitted that Woodcock recognizes the unlawfulness of his actions and expressed confusion over his own behavior, stating, “He still now cannot give any indication to himself or others who have met him in the proceedings as to why he involved himself in this way.” In sentencing, Judge Dixon imposed a custodial term of 62 months, reflecting the gravity of the crimes committed.
Additionally, Woodcock was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will remain in effect for 15 years, aiming to prevent any future offenses.
The judge also issued an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim and prevent any contact with her.
Addressing Woodcock directly, Judge Dixon remarked, “The reality is, for reasons you cannot understand or explain, you sought to abuse a child.” The court noted that Woodcock has no previous convictions, but the severity of his recent actions warranted strict measures to safeguard the community and the victim.
