JOHN WOODWARD, WIDNES SEX OFFENDER, SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS FOR ABUSING CHILDREN OVER 27 YEARS
In a case that has shocked the community of Widnes, John Woodward, a 74-year-old man with a long history of sexual offenses, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for the abuse of two young girls and a boy.The sentencing took place at Liverpool Crown Court, where it was revealed that Woodward’s criminal conduct spanned an alarming 27-year period, during which he exploited the vulnerabilities of his victims through grooming, manipulation, and the use of bribes such as money, alcohol, and cigarettes.
During the hearing, the court was told that Woodward, who appeared via video link from his residence in Brookdale, Widnes, maintains his innocence despite being convicted of 16 separate sexual offenses against the three victims.
The judge, Gary Woodhall, emphasized the severity and duration of Woodward’s offending, stating that it was “unlikely” he would survive long enough to serve his full sentence.
As part of his punishment, Woodward was ordered to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole, and an extended license of four years was imposed, reflecting the court’s view of him as an offender of particular concern.
Victims, sitting in the public gallery during the sentencing, were visibly distressed.
Two young women, who had endured Woodward’s abuse, wept and embraced each other as the sentence was read.
One of the victims provided an emotional impact statement, recounting how she resorted to taking scalding hot baths in an attempt to feel clean after the abuse she suffered.
She described how her mental health had been severely affected, hindering her ability to pursue her personal and professional goals.
The male victim also shared his struggles, revealing that he suffers from anxiety and depression, and that he initially did not understand that what Woodward was doing to him was wrong, only later realizing the extent of the harm inflicted.
The court heard that Woodward’s offenses against the first victim occurred over a period when she was between six and 15 years old.
His abuse of the male victim took place when he was 14 and 15, often involving exposure to pornography.
The offenses against the second girl were particularly egregious, occurring on multiple occasions, including instances where he gave her whisky, pulled down her trousers, and on one occasion, placed his hand down her trousers.
On another day, he reportedly offered her vodka and £20 before walking away.
In a shocking incident, while kissing her breasts, Woodward allegedly said, “s**g me for £50,” highlighting the predatory nature of his actions.
Prosecutor Charlotte Kenny detailed the extent of the harm caused, stating that the second girl expressed her desire to rebuild her life and move away to escape the memories of her trauma.
She lamented that Woodward had stolen her childhood, her education, and her mental well-being.
The court also heard that concerns had been raised about the third victim’s abuse, and authorities had been notified.
Despite this, Woodward continued his abusive behavior until her mental health deteriorated, leading to police intervention.
The third victim has since been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder as a direct result of his actions, which began when she was just 13 years old.
Judge Gary Woodhall concluded the hearing by stating, “I am satisfied you are dangerous and will pose such a risk in the future.” As part of his sentence, Woodward was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed, along with a restraining order preventing him from contacting his victims.
The case underscores the devastating impact of long-term abuse and the importance of justice for victims who have endured such trauma in Widnes and beyond.
