JOHN WOODWARD OF RAINWORTH CAUGHT IN HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE SCANDAL IN MANSFIELD

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Rainworth and Mansfield, John Woodward, a man previously known to authorities for his troubling past, has been convicted of heinous crimes involving young girls. The case unraveled after years of silence from victims who endured his abuse in secret, with the latest revelation coming from a woman who finally decided to speak out after nearly a decade.

Back in September 2003, the details of Woodward’s manipulative tactics and predatory behavior emerged during a court trial. It was revealed that Woodward, who was 61 years old at the time and residing on Cheddar Close in Rainworth, had used gifts, sweets, and cash to lure young girls into his home. His residence, a semi-detached property situated in a quiet cul-de-sac, became a sinister setting where he exploited the innocence of children aged between eight and thirteen.

The court heard that the environment inside Woodward’s house was unsettling. The living room was cluttered with crumpled pornographic magazines covered in cat hairs, and the background was often filled with the noise of loud music and the sounds of blue movies playing. Despite the disturbing scene, the children who gathered there appeared oblivious to the true nature of Woodward’s intentions. They saw only the treats and gifts he offered, which masked his predatory motives.

Witnesses described how the children, who considered Woodward to look like Santa Claus, were drawn to his home because they felt free from the strict discipline of their own families. The children’s innocence prevented them from recognizing the danger they were in, as Woodward’s true purpose was to exploit their trust and innocence for his own gratification.

Historical warnings about Woodward’s conduct dated back to 1982, when a girl confided in police about alleged abuse. However, due to insufficient evidence, no charges were filed at that time. Despite this, Woodward, a retired telephone engineer, continued his pattern of abuse over the next decade, targeting five young girls whom he referred to as his “special ones.”

He gained their trust through lavish gifts and monetary handouts, which he used to manipulate and molest them. One particularly disturbing incident involved him giving a young girl Malibu liqueur until she was nearly unconscious, then attempting to assault her. Like the others, her silence was bought with presents and sweets, and she kept her ordeal to herself for ten years. She eventually moved away, started a family, and tried to forget, but the memory haunted her.

The case took a significant turn last year when she finally decided to report the abuse to police. Her courage led to a thorough investigation, culminating in Woodward’s arrest and subsequent trial. In court, he was found guilty of attempted rape and 11 counts of indecent assault. The judge sentenced him to nine years in prison and ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

During the proceedings, it was highlighted that despite the earlier warning in 1982, no action was taken due to lack of concrete evidence. The abuse persisted until 1993, when the last known incident occurred. The community and the victims now seek justice and closure, as Woodward faces the consequences of his long history of predatory behavior.