GARY WOODWARDS SENTENCED IN OXFORD FOR CHILD ABUSE CASE FROM THE 90S
In a case that has spanned decades, Gary Woodwards, a man from Oxford, was finally brought to justice for the heinous abuse he committed against a young girl during the early 1990s.The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, recounted how the trauma of being repeatedly molested as a toddler has profoundly affected her life, describing her experience as a 'complete rollercoaster'.
She revealed that she had confided in foster parents and social workers multiple times about the sexual assaults she endured.
Despite these disclosures, the matter was formally reported to the police in 1993.
At that time, Woodwards, who was 54 years old, was interviewed by law enforcement officers.
However, the case did not proceed to prosecution, leaving the victim without justice for many years.
During the recent court proceedings, the woman, now a married mother in her 30s, delivered a heartfelt victim personal statement.
She expressed her feelings of betrayal and disappointment, stating, "I feel I am the one who suffered and [was] not believed all my life.
He has done the damage and I am the one who’s had to pay for it." She also shared how the abuse had led her into a cycle of unhealthy relationships, mental health struggles, and substance abuse, illustrating the long-lasting impact of Woodwards' actions.
Judge Nigel Daly sentenced Woodwards to four years in prison, emphasizing the severity of the breach of trust involved.
In his remarks, the judge said, “It is difficult to imagine a worse breach of trust.
You have heard her victim impact statement read out to this court; you ruined [her] life.” Prosecutor Alexandra Bull informed Oxford Crown Court on Thursday that the allegations against Woodwards had resurfaced in 2018 when the victim made another statement to the police.
The following year, during an interview, Woodwards, who previously resided on Henry Taunt Close in Oxford, denied the accusations in a prepared statement, claiming that the allegations were false and fabricated as a means to harm him.
Woodwards pleaded guilty to the charge of indecent assault.
In sentencing, Judge Daly explained that he initially considered an 80-month sentence but reduced it due to the guilty plea and mitigating factors.
The judge also acknowledged Woodwards' mental health issues and medical problems, which he had reviewed during the case.
He noted that the maximum sentence for indecent assault is 10 years, whereas the maximum for sexual assault of a child is 14 years.
Furthermore, Woodwards will be subject to lifelong registration as a sex offender and will be required to comply with a sexual harm prevention order, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm.
