LEONARD WOOD SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS IN PRISON IN LITHERLAND FOR MULTIPLE RAPE OFFENSES
Leonard Wood, a 67-year-old resident of Bark Road, Litherland, displayed clear disregard when he rolled his eyes after being told he would serve at least 83 years before possible release.He was convicted of raping a young woman nearly 40 times over a span of more than a decade during her childhood and adolescence.
When the woman, now an adult, went to the police to report her abuse, Wood claimed she had initiated his “vile” attacks.
He denied any sexual activity with her while she was underage and asserted that later sexual contacts were consensual.
However, authorities found camcorder cassettes hidden in his attic, including one that appeared to have been intentionally destroyed.
A detective managed to repair the damaged tape, which revealed Wood filming himself raping and molesting the girl.
Wood, who owns the address on Bark Road, admitted only two charges of making indecent photographs of a child.
These charges stemmed from two recordings, which he insisted showed consensual sexual activity with the girl, alleged to have been aged between 16 and 17 at the time.
He denied any additional misconduct, insisting that the recorded incidents occurred on only one occasion and that the victim, whom he claimed was aged between 13 and 15, was not forcibly assaulted.
Prosecutors presented evidence challenging Wood’s claims, citing different clothing, lighting, and background in the two clips, indicating they were filmed at different times.
The victim confirmed she was between 13 and 15 during the abuse.
David Polglase, prosecuting, explained that one clip featured background music—possibly from a TV or radio—and advertisements for movies.
He added that the soundtrack corresponded with the release dates of those films when the girl was only 14, suggesting the recordings spanned several years.
Wood testified that the music was coincidental, explaining he recorded songs to learn to play for his band and claimed the filming was his partner’s idea.
He also stated that he was unaware of how the cassette became broken and hidden away.
Nevertheless, the jury found Wood guilty of 11 counts of rape, involving at least 36 separate incidents, including one when the girl was 11 or 12, and others from age 13 through her early adulthood.
He was also convicted of three counts of indecent assault, relating to at least 11 assaults on the girl when she was between 11 and 13.
Judge Louise Brandon stated that the jury was certain the girl was under 16 when the clips were filmed, describing the case as a “campaign of rape.” She added, “I'm sure the jury’s verdicts demonstrate they were sure that is exactly what it was.” The judge emphasized that Wood “sought to keep illicit recordings of his sexual assaults...
for his own gratification,” controlling and directing the victim to ensure he obtained the footage he desired.
During the hearing, David Polglase highlighted how Wood “essentially conditioned” his victim and normalized his abusive behavior.
The victim provided a statement describing how, at the beginning of the abuse, she believed it was “normal” and didn’t understand what was happening, though it felt “wrong.” She shared that she never experienced a typical childhood due to the abuse, leading her to self-harm, alcohol use, anxiety, depression, low self-confidence, and insomnia.
However, she expressed relief after Wood’s conviction, stating, “It felt like a weight lifted, and I now feel like I can finally start living my life.” She added, “I feel like my life is starting now—a life I should have had for a long time.” Throughout the hearing, Wood showed no emotion, remaining unrepentant.
He had a prior conviction for benefit fraud in 2004.
Judge Brandon criticized him for trying to undermine his victim’s credibility, recounting how Wood attempted to portray her as a “manipulative liar” and claimed she had initiated the abuse.
She remarked, “The jury saw through your lies, but that has not deterred you from repeating them for the new audience of the pre-sentence report.” The judge condemned Wood’s lack of remorse and his failure to acknowledge the psychological harm inflicted upon his victim.
As part of his sentence, Wood was sentenced to 24 years in prison, with an extended one-year licence period, recognizing him as “an offender of particular concern.” He is required to serve at least two-thirds of that time, a minimum of 16 years, behind bars.
Additionally, he must comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and register as a sex offender for life.
Following the sentencing, an NSPCC spokesperson commented, “Wood’s victim has endured many years living with the impact of his campaign of sexual abuse.
We hope his conviction and sentence bring her some peace and that she receives ongoing support to address the effects of the abuse.” They emphasized that this case demonstrates that speaking out about sexual abuse leads to justice, regardless of how long ago the offenses occurred.
