MALCOLM WOODCOCK SHIPLAKE COLLEGE OFFENDER FROM BRADNINCH SENTENCED IN OXFORD

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Malcolm Woodcock, a man with ties to Bradninch, has been convicted and sentenced for serious historical offences of indecent assault. The offences, which date back to the 1970s, involved a teenage boy who was a student at Shiplake College in Henley-on-Thames, where Woodcock was employed as a teacher during that period.

Woodcock, now aged 76 and residing in Milton Demeral, Holsworthy, Devon, faced eight counts of indecent assault. Although he entered a plea of not guilty to these charges, the jury at Oxford Crown Court reached a unanimous verdict of guilt on all counts on April 17. The court subsequently sentenced him to three and a half years in prison, marking a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for victims of historical abuse.

The allegations against Woodcock stem from incidents that occurred while he was working at Shiplake College, a prestigious institution located in Oxfordshire. The offences involved the victim, who was a teenage boy at the time, and took place within the college grounds and other associated locations. These events are believed to have happened during the 1970s, a period when the victim was a student at the school.

The case was formally brought to court after charges were filed on August 18, 2018. The conviction underscores the importance of addressing historical abuse cases and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable, regardless of the passage of time. Woodcock’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the enduring impact such offences have on victims and the ongoing efforts of the justice system to seek justice for those affected.