JOHN WOOD FROM CASTLEFORD SHOCKS WAKEFIELD PUB WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT

In February 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded at the Black Horse pub located in Westgate, Wakefield, involving a man from Castleford named John Wood. The 34-year-old was accused of inappropriately groping a 17-year-old girl, an act that has left her feeling deeply unsettled and fearful about her safety in public spaces.

According to reports, the incident occurred on June 23 of the previous year. The teenage girl was returning from the toilets when she suddenly felt a hand stroking the left side of her bottom. She did not see who was responsible at the moment, but a witness observed the act and promptly informed the pub manager. The manager then contacted the police to report the assault.

John Wood, who was present at the scene, claimed that he believed the girl was his wife at the time, which led to his inappropriate gesture. However, this explanation did not prevent him from being charged. During his court appearance at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court, Wood pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault. The court proceedings revealed that he had been drinking throughout the day and was touching his partner at the time of the incident. He stated that he did not intend to cause any distress or harm to the girl.

Prosecutor Alex Bozman detailed the impact of the assault on the victim, who provided a personal statement expressing her ongoing fears. She shared that since the incident, she has felt uncomfortable with being touched and is constantly looking over her shoulder. Her fear has extended to her choice of clothing, as she now avoids wearing skirts or dresses for work, believing that dressing differently might prevent a recurrence of such an incident. The girl also expressed her anxiety about encountering Wood again, especially since he resides in Heilfield Court, Castleford.

In her statement, the victim conveyed her feelings of vulnerability and the emotional toll the assault has taken on her. The court was informed that she blames herself for the incident, thinking that wearing trousers might reduce the risk of being targeted again.

During the court hearing, Wood admitted that he did not intend to touch the girl or cause her distress. He explained that his intoxication led him to believe he was touching his partner, not the teenager. Despite his explanations, the magistrates found sufficient grounds to sentence him. Wood was given a community order requiring him to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £100 in court costs and £50 in compensation to the victim. As part of his sentence, he will be registered on the sex offenders’ register for the next five years and must provide his details to the police, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.