BRADFORD SEX OFFENDER JOHN WOOLHAM SENTENCED FOR ABUSING TWO GENERATIONS OF FAMILY
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Bradford community, John Woolham, a 56-year-old man from Orleans Street, Buttershaw, was sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to a series of heinous sexual offenses involving two generations of a single family.Woolham’s crimes, described by the judge as “abhorrent,” spanned over two decades and included multiple acts of sexual abuse against young boys.
The court heard that Woolham pleaded guilty to four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, two counts of taking indecent photographs, and two counts of indecency with a child.
The details of the case revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that left lasting scars on his victims.
Prosecutor Peter Moulson provided the court with a harrowing account of the offenses, emphasizing that the victims were young boys.
The first incident occurred more than 25 years ago when Woolham molested a boy approximately nine years old.
This initial abuse was only brought to light in 2009, when a relative of one of Woolham’s victims confided in his father about Woolham’s inappropriate conduct.
The young boy revealed that Woolham had given him money and told him, “It’s our secret.
I’m not allowed to tell.” Over a period of seven weeks, Woolham sexually assaulted the boy and took obscene photographs of him using his mobile phone.
Further investigations uncovered that Woolham had downloaded these images onto his computer and printed them out, allegedly to derive further sexual gratification when the boy was not present.
During police interviews, Woolham remained silent and did not respond to questions, showing no remorse or acknowledgment of his actions.
The court was informed that the first victim, now an adult, suffers from flashbacks and experiences feelings of shame and guilt that have profoundly affected his mental health.
Judge James Stewart QC, the Recorder of Bradford, condemned Woolham’s actions, stating, “To abuse two generations of one family is abhorrent.” The judge also noted Woolham’s apparent lack of awareness or concern for the devastating impact his crimes have had on his victims, whose lives he effectively destroyed.
As part of his sentence, Woolham is required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, a measure intended to protect the community and prevent further harm.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting damage caused by sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims.
