GORDON WOODMAN FROM CHIPPING SODBURY SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF SEXUAL ABUSE ON YOUNG GIRLS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chipping Sodbury, a pensioner named Gordon Woodman has admitted to committing a series of serious sexual offenses spanning nearly three decades. The 74-year-old, who resided on Gorlands Road, faced the consequences of his actions in Bristol Crown Court, where he was sentenced to five and a half years in prison on charges related to the sexual abuse of three young girls aged between 13 and 14.

Woodman’s criminal history includes 14 counts of indecent assault, with the earliest incidents believed to have occurred between 1973 and 1974, and the most recent between 1999 and 2000. The lengthy period over which these offenses took place highlights a pattern of predatory behavior that persisted over many years. The victims, whose identities remain protected, were reportedly groomed by Woodman, who used his position and influence to manipulate and exploit their trust.

Authorities involved in the investigation, including Detective Constables Ziggi Bennett and Julie Barnes from the Child Assault Investigation Team, played a crucial role in bringing Woodman to justice. In a joint statement, they expressed hope that the conviction would serve as a form of closure for some of the victims, acknowledging the profound impact such abuse can have on young lives.

Community reactions to the sentencing were mixed, with some residents expressing relief and others feeling the punishment was insufficient. One local resident, who attended the court proceedings to witness Woodman’s sentencing, remarked, “He is dreadful. The sentence is not long enough.”

Following his arrest in July, Woodman was held on remand at Horfield Prison until his sentencing on Monday. The community’s mayor, Paul Robins, publicly stated his satisfaction that Woodman was now behind bars, affirming, “I am glad our children are now safe with this man being incarcerated.”

Child safeguarding expert Shaun Kelly, representing the children’s charity NCH, emphasized the importance of support for victims, noting that “it is not easy for people to come forward and the abuse affects the rest of the victim’s life so they need help and support. It is important to ensure offending is reduced with intervention and then treatment so that when people are introduced back into the community they do not re-offend.”