MICHAEL WOODFINE FROM SEFTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN LIVERPOOL
| Red Rose Database
Sefton Rapist
In November 2020, a disturbing case unfolded involving Michael Woodfine, a man from Sefton, who was convicted of heinous crimes against a young girl under the age of 13. The court heard that Woodfine subjected the girl to repeated sexual assaults, causing her severe physical injuries and deep emotional trauma that would likely affect her for the rest of her life.
Liverpool Crown Court was told that the young victim was left in a state of profound fear and distress, unable to watch as her attacker was sentenced. The injuries she sustained during the assaults were described as so graphic that they could not be publicly disclosed. The court heard that the physical harm inflicted upon her was immense, but the emotional scars were even more devastating. The girl, in a heartfelt victim personal statement, expressed that her life had been irrevocably changed, claiming that her childhood had been stolen and that she would never find happiness again.
Judge Richard Pratt, QC, presiding over the case, condemned Woodfine’s actions as utterly disgraceful and disgusting. The judge recounted that Woodfine, who was living in Huyton at the time, claimed he targeted his victim after seeing her exercising, which he admitted aroused him. The court emphasized that such a justification was unacceptable and deeply troubling.
During the proceedings, the judge highlighted the extent of the physical injuries and the overwhelming emotional damage caused by Woodfine’s conduct. He pointed out that the victim even blamed herself for what happened, but publicly stressed that she should feel no shame or blame. Instead, he directed that Woodfine himself should carry the burden of guilt and shame for his actions.
The court was also informed that the victim’s mother had contacted police earlier in the year, revealing that her daughter had been raped by Woodfine. The girl confided in her mother out of fear that Woodfine might assault her again. Following this, Woodfine voluntarily attended Huyton police station, where he confessed to the police that he wanted to turn himself in due to his abusive behavior. During police interviews, he admitted to raping the girl multiple times, although she could not recall the exact number of incidents. She described how Woodfine had also made her touch his genitals and perform sexual acts, despite her efforts to resist.
Woodfine expressed remorse, telling police that he did not believe he forced her, but he acknowledged that his actions were wrong and apologized. He admitted to raping the girl on several occasions, which was consistent with his guilty plea to three counts of rape and one count of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. The prosecution described these charges as reflecting a pattern of conduct.
Although Woodfine did not have a fixed address at the time, he had previously lived in Sefton. His guilty plea and the evidence presented led to a significant sentence. Recorder Pratt sentenced him to six years in prison, with an additional year on license, meaning he will serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible to apply for parole. The court also ordered that Woodfine must register as a sex offender for life and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further notice. The judge emphasized the seriousness of his crimes and the need to protect the community from further harm.
Liverpool Crown Court was told that the young victim was left in a state of profound fear and distress, unable to watch as her attacker was sentenced. The injuries she sustained during the assaults were described as so graphic that they could not be publicly disclosed. The court heard that the physical harm inflicted upon her was immense, but the emotional scars were even more devastating. The girl, in a heartfelt victim personal statement, expressed that her life had been irrevocably changed, claiming that her childhood had been stolen and that she would never find happiness again.
Judge Richard Pratt, QC, presiding over the case, condemned Woodfine’s actions as utterly disgraceful and disgusting. The judge recounted that Woodfine, who was living in Huyton at the time, claimed he targeted his victim after seeing her exercising, which he admitted aroused him. The court emphasized that such a justification was unacceptable and deeply troubling.
During the proceedings, the judge highlighted the extent of the physical injuries and the overwhelming emotional damage caused by Woodfine’s conduct. He pointed out that the victim even blamed herself for what happened, but publicly stressed that she should feel no shame or blame. Instead, he directed that Woodfine himself should carry the burden of guilt and shame for his actions.
The court was also informed that the victim’s mother had contacted police earlier in the year, revealing that her daughter had been raped by Woodfine. The girl confided in her mother out of fear that Woodfine might assault her again. Following this, Woodfine voluntarily attended Huyton police station, where he confessed to the police that he wanted to turn himself in due to his abusive behavior. During police interviews, he admitted to raping the girl multiple times, although she could not recall the exact number of incidents. She described how Woodfine had also made her touch his genitals and perform sexual acts, despite her efforts to resist.
Woodfine expressed remorse, telling police that he did not believe he forced her, but he acknowledged that his actions were wrong and apologized. He admitted to raping the girl on several occasions, which was consistent with his guilty plea to three counts of rape and one count of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. The prosecution described these charges as reflecting a pattern of conduct.
Although Woodfine did not have a fixed address at the time, he had previously lived in Sefton. His guilty plea and the evidence presented led to a significant sentence. Recorder Pratt sentenced him to six years in prison, with an additional year on license, meaning he will serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible to apply for parole. The court also ordered that Woodfine must register as a sex offender for life and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further notice. The judge emphasized the seriousness of his crimes and the need to protect the community from further harm.