STANLEY WOOD OF HALESOWEN JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL IN WORCESTERSHIRE

In May 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Stanley Wood, a pensioner from Halesowen, who was sentenced to 32 months in prison following a series of heinous sexual assaults on a young girl. The case was brought to light after Wood, who was undergoing hip surgery at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, confided in a hospital chaplain about his criminal actions, believing that his secret would remain protected.

However, Wood's trust was misplaced. He disclosed his misconduct to the chaplain, expecting confidentiality, but the information was subsequently shared with a nurse, leading to police involvement. The authorities acted swiftly once informed, and Wood was arrested and charged with multiple offenses.

Prosecutor Robert Price outlined the details of the case at Wolverhampton Crown Court, emphasizing the severity of Wood's actions. The 66-year-old man admitted to three counts of sexual assault on a girl under the age of 13. The court heard that Wood had groomed and deliberately isolated his young victim, actions that caused lasting trauma.

Judge Barry Berlin condemned Wood's behavior as 'horrible,' highlighting the malicious intent behind his grooming and the long-term harm inflicted upon the child. The judge remarked that Wood believed the chaplain would keep his secret, but this misplaced trust did not prevent the police from being informed. The judge described the abuse as 'sickening and perverted,' noting that such conduct results in enduring damage to the victim.

In his sentencing, Judge Berlin acknowledged that Wood had expressed remorse and that he believed the confession to the chaplain was made in confidence. Nevertheless, he emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, which spanned a considerable period. The court also heard that probation assessments classified Wood as a high risk of causing serious harm to children, especially females under 16.

As part of his punishment, Wood was subjected to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years. The impact on the victim was profound; her mother provided a victim impact statement describing how her daughter had been deeply affected. The girl was now suffering from nightmares, had lost confidence, and was undergoing counseling. The mother expressed her fear and distress over the incident.

During the hearing, Philip Vollans, representing Wood, conveyed his client's remorse, stating that Wood had expressed regret for his actions. Vollans also noted that Wood was a man of previously good character and acknowledged the gravity of his misconduct. The court's decision reflected the seriousness of the crimes committed and the need to protect vulnerable children from such predatory behavior.