ALFRED WOODHALL FROM BIRMINGHAM AND ERDINGTON JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Alfred Woodhall, a man with deep ties to Birmingham and Erdington, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his involvement in child abuse. The 71-year-old, who once served as a deacon at a Pentecostal church, was handed a 12-year prison sentence last week after a court found him guilty of multiple serious charges involving a young girl.

The court proceedings revealed that Woodhall assaulted his young victim, a girl who was between the ages of seven and ten at the time of the abuse, which occurred between 1986 and 1990. The assault took place in a van after choir practice, a detail that underscores the calculated nature of his crimes. The court heard that Woodhall, residing on Turf Pitts Lane in Erdington, admitted to four counts of indecent assault and four counts of attempted rape during the trial.

In addition to his prison sentence, Woodhall has been ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, a measure designed to protect the community from any future risk he might pose. This case is not the first time Woodhall has faced criminal charges related to child abuse. In 2000, he was imprisoned for 15 months after being convicted of indecently assaulting an 11-year-old girl while he was leading a church summer play scheme. The earlier incident took place in 1990, and the recent case involved abuse that happened over a span of several years, from 1986 to 1990.

Judge Roderick Henderson delivered a stern verdict, emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved in the case. He stated, “You were deacon of that Pentecostal church and by definition of that, parents and children trusted you. You gave her sweets and money to bribe her to be quiet.” The judge also highlighted the pain endured by the victim, noting that when she initially confided in her family, the matter was “swept under the carpet,” forcing her to carry the burden of her trauma for over two decades.

The prosecution, led by Samantha Forsythe, revealed that the victim is now 34 years old. She was a regular attendee at the Newtown church, where her life was heavily influenced by her involvement in religious activities. The abuse began with Woodhall touching her, but it escalated over time. On several occasions, he drove her to secluded areas after choir practice, attempting to have sex with her. These acts of betrayal and exploitation have left a lasting impact on her life.

During the trial, Woodhall’s defense, represented by Trevor Meegan, argued that the defendant had himself been a victim of sexual abuse as a child. The defense also pointed out that, following Woodhall’s previous conviction, the church community had shown forgiveness in accordance with Christian principles. However, it was acknowledged that such forgiveness might no longer be extended, and the church might not accept him back into its fold. The case has once again brought to light issues of trust, abuse, and the long-lasting scars inflicted by those in positions of religious authority.