ROY WOODWARD OF RUNCORN AND WIDNES SENTENCED FOR CAMPAIGN OF RAPE AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

In a harrowing case that has shocked the communities of Runcorn and Widnes, Roy Woodward, aged 56, was brought before Chester Crown Court to face justice for a series of heinous crimes involving the abuse of a young girl. Although he has no fixed address at present, Woodward’s previous residences in Runcorn and Widnes were central to the investigation and his criminal history.

During the trial, which concluded in January, the court heard that Woodward was guilty of a total of 14 counts of abuse. These included four counts of rape, eight counts of indecent assault on a child, and two counts of indecency with a child. The abuse began when the victim was very young and continued over a prolonged period, with some charges representing multiple offences committed over time. The court was told that the victim was subjected to this abuse from her early childhood and even after she turned 16.

Prosecutor Matthew Dunford detailed the disturbing nature of the crimes, emphasizing that Woodward, who had a prior conviction for child rape in 2018, exploited the girl throughout her childhood. The abuse was initiated through manipulative tactics, such as inviting her to “play snaky” and administering cider disguised as lemonade, which facilitated his grooming process. The court heard that the first instance of rape inflicted excruciating pain on the victim, marking the beginning of a long and traumatic ordeal.

At Monday’s sentencing, Judge Patrick Thompson described how Woodward used sweets and alcohol to manipulate and silence his victim. The judge characterized the abuse as a “campaign of rape,” which intensified as the girl grew older. The judge noted that the abuse was not isolated but part of a sustained pattern of predatory behaviour spanning over a decade.

In a poignant impact statement read aloud in court, the survivor recounted the lasting scars of her trauma. She described suffering from “horrific nightmares” since her early twenties, which she believes are linked to her abuse and have contributed to the development of mental health issues. She expressed difficulty trusting other adults and conveyed a sense of hopelessness about living a normal life. Her words underscored the profound and enduring impact of Woodward’s actions.

Mr. Dunford highlighted that Woodward’s criminal record included seven previous convictions for ten offences, such as criminal damage, battery, and the earlier child rape conviction. The court also noted that Gaynor Woodward, aged 58 and residing at Worcester Court, Runcorn, had her own criminal history, including two counts under Section 4 of the Public Order Act from 1999, though her convictions were unrelated to the abuse.

Considering the severity and duration of the offences, Judge Thompson described Roy Woodward as a dangerous offender and assessed him as being at “very high risk to children.” The court sentenced him to 21 years in prison, with an additional four years on extended licence, meaning he could serve up to 25 years if he reoffends after release. The judge emphasized that Woodward’s actions were driven by “twisted sexual desires,” and the offences spanned approximately 12 years, beginning when the victim was just 13 years old.

Furthermore, Woodward was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register for life and to comply with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. During the sentencing, Judge Thompson reiterated that Woodward’s behaviour demonstrated a clear pattern of predatory and harmful conduct, and he expressed concern about the ongoing risk Woodward poses to children. The judge concluded by stating that Woodward’s “unhealthy sexual interest in children” makes him a significant danger, and he must be closely monitored to prevent further harm.

As a result of this case, the communities of Runcorn and Widnes are left to grapple with the devastating impact of such abuse, and the court’s decision aims to serve justice for the survivor and protect others from potential harm in the future.