LEONARD WOOD FROM GREAT AYTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGER NEAR MIDDLESBROUGH

In February 2011, Leonard Wood, a man from Great Ayton near Middlesbrough, was sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a teenage girl. The court heard that Wood, aged 52 at the time, engaged in a disturbing pattern of abuse, treating the young girl as if she were his romantic partner and coercing her into silence about their illicit relationship.

Wood’s actions came to light in October when the teenage victim confided in her relatives about the abuse she had endured. Following her disclosure, law enforcement authorities swiftly intervened, leading to Wood’s arrest. During police interviews, Wood admitted to most of the allegations brought against him, although he claimed that some of the girl’s statements were false. His confessions included charges of rape, sexual assault, and causing a person to engage in sexual activity against her will.

At Teesside Crown Court, Judge Howard Crowson delivered a stern sentence, sentencing Wood to seven years and four months behind bars. The judge also imposed a lifelong ban on Wood working with children and ordered him to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Additionally, Wood was prohibited from having any unsupervised contact with individuals under the age of 18.

During the proceedings, the court was informed that Wood expressed remorse for his actions. His defense lawyer, Adrian Dent, stated, “All he is left with is deep shame and the hope he has not done too much damage to the girl. He accepts that he has behaved in a depraved way and he is profoundly sorry for what he has done and apologizes.”

Judge Crowson acknowledged Wood’s apparent remorse but also highlighted the importance of his cooperation. The judge remarked, “I acknowledge that you are genuinely sorry. You have been given substantial credit for ensuring the girl did not have to give evidence and worry that people might not believe her.”

Prosecutor David Brooke recounted that when police arrived at Wood’s residence to arrest him, he appeared to anticipate their arrival, stating, “I know why you’ve come.”

In a further insight into Wood’s state of mind, his lawyer revealed that Wood believed his marriage was likely to end in divorce and that he would probably lose his home upon release. Mr. Dent explained, “He knows his marriage will not survive. He knows whatever form his sentence takes, it is not going to be the end of his punishment. This is a man who, at 52, has been transformed from being a respectable family man with no previous convictions and with a good work record.”