ROY WODWARD SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL TO UP TO 25 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE
Roy Woodward, 56, who was previously of Runcorn and Widnes but now has no fixed address, has been sentenced to up to 25 years in prison for a series of serious child abuse offences.His wife, Gaynor Woodward, 58, of Worcester Court, Runcorn, was also convicted and sentenced to four years.
At Chester Crown Court on Monday, Roy Woodward was found guilty of 14 counts of abuse, including four of rape, eight of indecent assault on a child, and two of indecency with a child.
Some counts covered multiple offences over time, with the abuse beginning when the victim was very young.
During the trial in January, prosecutor Matthew Dunford told the jury that Woodward, who had a prior conviction for child rape in 2018, had abused the girl throughout her childhood and after she turned 16.
Woodward had initiated abuse by saying he wanted to play "snaky" and by giving her lemonade that was actually cider.
The court heard that the first rape caused the victim significant pain.
Judge Patrick Thompson characterized Woodward as a high-risk offender during sentencing.
He noted that Woodward had groomed his victim with sweets and alcohol to silence her and facilitate the abuse.
The judge described the abuse as a campaign of rape that lasted from the girl’s very early years and intensified as she grew older.
The victim’s impact statement revealed lifelong trauma, stating that she has suffered nightmares since her early 20s, which she believes are linked to her abuse and have contributed to mental health challenges.
She described difficulty trusting adults and feeling she may never lead a normal life.
Reading her statement, Mr.
Dunford emphasized her ongoing suffering, saying she feels hollow, empty, and haunted by her trauma, which has impacted her current relationships.
It was also highlighted that Woodward had seven previous convictions for a total of ten offences, including criminal damage, battery, and the 2018 child rape.
Gaynor Woodward had older convictions, including two counts under Section 4 of the Public Order Act from 1999.
Andrew McInnes, defending Roy Woodward, stated that his client maintained his innocence and could not be credited for remorse.
He acknowledged that the case involved serious offences over an extended period and noted that, despite being assessed as a high risk of harm to female children, Woodward was 56 and would be older upon release.
McInnes called for the judge to consider the overall circumstances.
For Gaynor Woodward, Maria Masselis presented character references describing her as a hardworking and loyal individual.
She acknowledged that the pre-sentence report was unflattering but suggested the jury believed her offending was less serious and of shorter duration than indicated by the prosecution.
She challenged the link between the abuse and the victim’s mental health problems, questioning whether clinical evidence supported her claims.
Judge Thompson sentenced Gaynor Woodward to four years in prison, describing her as reckless in her involvement.
Regarding Roy Woodward, the judge declared him a dangerous offender and a very high risk to children, sentencing him to 21 years in prison plus four years on extended licence, which could total up to 25 years if he reoffends.
The judge ordered that Woodward be placed on the sex offenders register for life and subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
He noted that Woodward’s offences spanned approximately 12 years, beginning when the victim was 13, constituting a sustained campaign of rape.
Addressing Woodward’s dangerousness and prior conviction, Judge Thompson stated, “I’m required to consider the risk of further offences and causing serious harm.
I am satisfied you do present a risk.
I have no doubt you are a committed paedophile.
You have an unhealthy sexual interest in children and pose a danger to them.” Following the sentencing, Senior Crown Prosecutor Wendy Newton commented: “This victim was subjected to sexual abuse by Roy Woodward from when she was a little girl.
The feelings and emotions of this young child meant nothing to him.
His power and abuse continued as she grew up.
She has spoken of how what he did has affected every part of her life.
She now has to find a way forward after suffering such trauma.
It’s important to note she was only able to disclose what happened fairly recently.
It’s not uncommon for victims of sexual abuse to deny or be silent about their experiences for years.
The CPS emphasizes its commitment to supporting victims and pursuing justice regardless of the time elapsed.
The court also ordered a statutory surcharge for each defendant.
Woodward is expected to serve about two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
Jurors acquitted Roy Woodward of one count of rape and Gaynor Woodward of one count of cruelty.
Prior to the trial, a bad character application allowed the jury to hear of Woodward’s previous nine-year sentence for raping a 13-year-old girl, highlighting his history of sexual offenses.
