ROBERT WOODLAND'S SHOCKING SEX OFFENCES IN BRIDGWATER REVEALED

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Bridgwater community, local businessman and long-standing carnival supporter Robert Woodland, aged 48, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for serious sexual offences involving two young boys. The crimes, which took place during the 1980s, included attempted rape and indecent assault, and were uncovered after a detailed trial at Taunton Crown Court.

Woodland, who is known for running Razz’s Cleaning Service and for his extensive involvement in the local carnival scene for over three decades, was found guilty of abusing two boys in their own homes during the period of his offending. The court heard that Woodland, residing on Frederick Road in Bridgwater, engaged in inappropriate conduct with one boy after a night spent drinking at a pub in the 1980s. The details of this incident revealed a disturbing pattern of behaviour that spanned several years.

Three years following the first incident, Woodland attempted to commit a more serious offence against a different boy, who was approximately 14 or 15 years old at the time. This victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was lured into Woodland’s bedroom after being given alcohol by him. Once inside, Woodland made an attempt to have sex with the young boy, an act that was thwarted but left lasting scars.

A victim impact statement, read aloud in court by the judge, conveyed the profound effect these crimes had on the second victim. The statement revealed that the young man had turned to alcohol and drugs as a way to cope with the traumatic memories. It read: “There are good days where I don’t think about it but they are heavily outnumbered by the days I do.”

Despite his involvement in the carnival scene, Woodland’s connection to the Crusaders Carnival Club was clarified by a club spokesman, who stated that he had not been associated with the organization for approximately five years. The court emphasized that the sexual abuse was entirely unconnected to his role in the carnival or the club.

During the trial, Woodland’s defence lawyer, Simon Brunton, described him as a man of good character prior to these offences. Brunton highlighted Woodland’s community work and helpful nature, stating, “He knows he must face a significant custodial sentence and he is prepared for that. He is a man who character witnesses say is friendly, helpful and hard-working in the community. That is perhaps why it is so tragic this has happened.”

Judge Peter Towler, who delivered the sentence last week, expressed his condemnation of Woodland’s actions. He stated, “This is a clear breach of trust and one of the victims was in a fragile condition. The only reason it was an attempted rape is because he was able to prevent you carrying out the full offence. If I was only sentencing you for the offence of indecent assault I would impose a community penalty.” The court’s decision underscores the severity of Woodland’s crimes and the lasting impact on his victims, highlighting the importance of justice in cases of abuse within close-knit communities like Bridgwater.