JOHN WOODWARD SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS IN LIVERPOOL FOR SERIAL SEX OFFENCES
A dangerous sex offender who repeatedly abused two girls and a boy has been sentenced to 19 years in prison.Liverpool Crown Court was told that John Woodward, a 74-year-old grandfather residing in Widnes, is unlikely to live long enough to serve his full sentence.
He is required to serve at least two-thirds of it before he can apply for parole.
Additionally, the judge imposed an extended four-year licence period after determining that he is an offender of particular concern.
During the sentencing, the two female victims, who attended the hearing in the public gallery, were visibly emotional, hugging each other after Woodward, who appeared via video link, was sentenced.
One victim shared in an impact statement that she used to take scalding hot baths in an effort to feel clean after what he had done to her.
She explained that her mental health had been severely affected and that she had been unable to pursue her planned business ventures.
The male victim also described suffering from anxiety and depression, revealing that he initially did not understand that what Woodward was doing to him was wrong but later recognised the severity of his experiences.
Woodward, of Brookdale, Widnes, was convicted on 16 counts of sexual offences against the three victims following a trial.
Despite the convictions, he maintained his innocence.
Judge Gary Woodhall highlighted that Woodward's offending spanned 27 years, during which he exploited the victims' vulnerabilities through grooming and used bribes such as money, alcohol, and cigarettes.
The judge noted that although authorities had raised concerns about sexual abuse involving the third victim and took action, Woodward continued to abuse her despite these warnings.
Her abuse only came to light when her mental health deteriorated, and police intervened.
She has since been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder due to his actions.
The judge stated, “I am satisfied you are dangerous and will pose such a risk in the future.” Prosecutor Charlotte Kenny detailed the offences: the first victim was abused between ages six and 15, while the male victim was aged 14 and 15 when abused, sometimes after Woodward showed him pornography.
She also described multiple incidents involving the second girl, including giving her alcohol, pulling down her trousers, and on another occasion, placing his hand down her trousers and offering her vodka and 20 pounds before walking away.
On a further occasion, he kissed her breasts and told her, “s**g me for 50.” Miss Kenny expressed that the second girl hopes to rebuild her life by moving away to avoid reminders of her trauma but also expressed sadness over losing her childhood, education, and mental health to his abuse.
Defence lawyer Maria Masselis argued there was a low risk of re-offending, citing Woodward’s health issues testicular cancer and a head injury as well as his mental health struggles and instances of self-harming.
She also mentioned that his wife, who is battling cancer, is providing him with support, and expressed concern over how she will cope without him.
Miss Masselis noted that the pandemic would make his prison time particularly difficult and emphasised that, due to his age and health problems, it is unlikely he will serve the full sentence.
The judge ordered Woodward to register as a sex offender for life, impose an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and a restraining order preventing him from contacting his victims.
