GARETH WOOD FROM CANTERBURY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN DERRY

In a case that has spanned decades, Gareth Wood, a man with ties to Canterbury, was brought before the court to face serious allegations involving a young girl. The incidents, which occurred between 1981 and 1984 in Derry, involved the sexual assault of a ten-year-old girl and the taking of a photograph of her without her consent.

Wood, who previously worked as a bus driver, pleaded guilty to these charges, leading to his sentencing in February 2016. The court heard that the offenses took place within his own home, a detail that underscored the breach of trust and the betrayal of innocence involved in the case. The judge emphasized the gravity of the crimes, noting the significant impact on the victim, who continues to suffer from the emotional scars caused by these traumatic events.

In response to the severity of the offenses, the court sentenced Gareth Wood to a prison term of two years and two months. Additionally, the judge imposed a ten-year registration requirement, mandating that Wood register as a sex offender for a decade. The sentencing reflects the court’s recognition of the lasting harm inflicted upon the victim and the importance of safeguarding the community from individuals who commit such offenses.