TOXTETH PAEDOPHILE STEPHEN WOODS SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS IN LIVERPOOL

In a case that has shocked the community of Toxteth and the wider Liverpool area, Stephen Woods, a 50-year-old man from Kelby Close, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 13 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving two young girls.

The court proceedings revealed that Woods had subjected one of his victims to repeated sexual abuse over a period of approximately two years, from when she was 11 until she turned 13. The abuse was not a one-time event but a series of disturbing incidents that left lasting psychological scars. Additionally, Woods was convicted of abusing the 12-year-old friend of his primary victim on a single occasion, which occurred after Woods had been drinking, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior.

Prosecutor Nicholas Walker detailed that Woods had targeted his main victim around 40 times, demonstrating a disturbing level of persistence and predatory intent. During the trial, which concluded in December, Woods was found guilty of 12 separate sexual offences. These included charges of sexual assault, serious sexual assault, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and indecency with a child. The verdict was reached unanimously by the jury, reflecting the strength of the evidence presented against him.

Throughout the court proceedings, Woods, who has receding grey hair, displayed a lack of remorse. He shook his head as a victim impact statement was read aloud, describing the profound pain and trauma inflicted upon his victims. In a further display of disrespect, Woods mouthed abuse at the victims’ families as he was led away from the courtroom.

Woods’ defense lawyer, Desmond Lennon, argued that his client had difficulty accepting the jury’s verdict and remained resolute in his stance. Lennon also highlighted Woods’ life history, stating that he had led an honest and hardworking life until a serious accident in 1995 left him partially tetraplegic, which is a form of paralysis caused by injury or illness. Lennon suggested that Woods’ disability might impact his ability to serve a lengthy prison sentence, although this did not influence the court’s decision.

The court was informed that Woods had a prior conviction from 1993, unrelated to the current charges. However, Judge Thomas Teague, QC, emphasized that the evidence demonstrated Woods had caused severe psychological harm to his victims and had abused a position of trust. While acknowledging Woods’ disability, the judge made it clear that this did not exempt him from serving time in prison.

Judge Teague remarked that the sentence might seem “unduly severe” to Woods but could appear lenient to the victims. He underscored the irreparable damage caused by such crimes, stating, “The truth is such cases and the harm they cause cannot be reduced to or measured in months of imprisonment. Nothing can ever undo what you did to those girls.”

As part of his sentence, Woods was also issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which explicitly prohibits him from contacting his victims, aiming to prevent any further harm.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Tamsin Chambers from the Merseyside Police’s Matrix Serious & Organised Crime Unity team expressed her support for the victims. She praised their courage in coming forward and emphasized the importance of reporting abuse. Chambers reassured the public that the police have specially trained officers dedicated to supporting victims and ensuring offenders are brought to justice, reinforcing the community’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from sexual predators.