OWEN WOOLLAM FROM BIRCHES HEAD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING SCHOOLGIRLS IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In November 2019, Owen Woollam, an 18-year-old resident of Geneva Drive in Birches Head, was involved in a series of disturbing online interactions with young girls, which culminated in serious criminal charges. Woollam, who was 17 at the time of the incidents, engaged with three victims aged between 13 and 14 through various internet platforms, exploiting their trust and innocence.

He initiated contact with two 13-year-old girls, requesting them to send photographs of themselves wearing bras or low-cut tops, a clear attempt to sexualize the interactions. Additionally, Woollam asked another 13-year-old girl to send a topless photograph, further demonstrating his predatory behavior. The situation escalated when, after the girl turned 14, Woollam sent her a graphic image of his erect penis along with a short video of himself masturbating, actions that constitute serious sexual offences.

Woollam’s actions were brought before the North Staffordshire Justice Centre, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges. These included three counts of attempting to cause or incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity without penetration, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child aged 13 to 15. His guilty plea reflects the gravity of his misconduct and the harm inflicted upon his young victims.

In sentencing, District Judge Kevin Grego emphasized the severity of Woollam’s offences. He stated, “You have pleaded guilty to very serious offences. If you were older, if this offending had gone on for longer than it did, I would have no option but to send you to prison.” The judge also acknowledged the distress caused to the victims’ families, noting that their parents would have been “horrified at your messages to their young daughters.”

As part of his punishment, Woollam was sentenced to a two-year community order. This order requires him to participate in a sex offender group work programme, undertake 30 days of rehabilitation activities, and complete 50 hours of unpaid work. Furthermore, Woollam was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years, restricting his activities and contact with minors. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for the same period. Additionally, he was ordered to pay each of his three victims £250 in compensation, acknowledging the emotional and psychological impact of his actions.