MARTIN WOODS HADLEIGH CHILD ABUSE SCANDAL: 15-YEAR SENTENCE FOR RAPE AND INDECENT IMAGES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Hadleigh, Martin Woods, aged 42, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of heinous crimes involving a young girl. Woods appeared before Ipswich Crown Court to face sentencing following his admission to multiple serious offences related to two victims, which took place during the year 2020.

Woods, a resident of Guthrum Road in Hadleigh, pleaded guilty during a plea and trial preparation hearing on April 9 to a series of grave charges. These included the rape of a girl under the age of 13, sexual assault of a child under 13, and the possession and creation of indecent images of children. Specifically, he admitted to two counts of taking indecent images and three counts of making such images, highlighting the extent of his criminal activities.

The court was informed that the abuse occurred during 2020, with the details emerging through investigations prompted by disclosures from one of the victims. Prosecutor Claire Matthews explained that Woods was arrested last year after one of the girls came forward with allegations. Following his arrest, authorities seized electronic devices from his home, which revealed the disturbing evidence of his crimes.

Among the items recovered from Woods’ mobile phone were multiple indecent images depicting him abusing the two young girls. Further examination uncovered four images classified as Category A, indicating the most severe type of child exploitation material, along with two Category B images and two Category C images stored on an iPad. The police investigation also uncovered numerous internet searches made by Woods for indecent images of prepubescent girls, underscoring his disturbing online activity.

During police interviews, Woods refused to comment on the allegations when questioned about the indecent images. Authorities also arrested him on suspicion of possessing and creating such material, but he maintained silence during questioning.

Judge Emma Peters, presiding over the case, described the impact of Woods’ actions on his victims as “profound” and labeled his offending as “horrific.” She pointed out that Woods’ internet search history revealed a clear sexual interest in young girls, which contributed to her assessment of the case.

Prior to sentencing, a dangerousness report was ordered to evaluate whether Woods posed a risk to the public. The judge confirmed that she was satisfied with the findings, which indicated that Woods did indeed present a significant threat. As a result, she sentenced him to 15 years in prison, with an extended licence period of six years, meaning he will serve a minimum of 10 years before being eligible for parole. Additionally, Woods was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and mandated to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.