AMPTHILL MAN BEN WOODCRAFT SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL IN CLOPHILL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Ampthill and surrounding areas, 22-year-old Ben Woodcraft faced justice at Luton Crown Court for his involvement in a sexual assault against a 15-year-old girl. The incident unfolded after the girl, who was only fifteen at the time, accepted a Facebook friend request from Woodcraft, unaware of his criminal background or his current status of being on licence after serving a four-and-a-half-year sentence for a previous rape conviction.

According to court proceedings, the girl believed she was connecting with someone she knew, as she thought he knew her sister. The two began chatting online, and during their conversations, she disclosed her age while he shared his. Despite the apparent lack of familiarity, the pair arranged to meet in person just two days later, on February 26, in the rural area of Clophill.

During their meeting, the court heard that the young girl and Woodcraft shared a brief kiss. However, the situation quickly escalated when he placed his hand on her leg and attempted to move it upward. The girl immediately objected and moved his hand away. The situation worsened when Woodcraft put his fingers under her bra strap, again prompting her to protest. The girl, feeling increasingly uncomfortable and frightened, tried to distance herself from him, exiting the vehicle and walking away from the scene.

Despite her protests, Woodcraft persuaded her to return to the car, promising to take her home. The court was told that the area was dark and isolated, heightening her fear. Once back in the vehicle, the girl felt terrified and distressed, but Woodcraft did not pursue further physical contact after she told him to stop. He then drove her home, ending the encounter.

It was revealed that Woodcraft had a prior history of sexual violence. In 2004, he had raped an 18-year-old woman after meeting her in a pub, which resulted in a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence handed down in September 2005. His criminal record also includes being on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Prosecutor Claudette Elliott emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is a lesson to other young people. When she signed him up as a friend, she was in complete ignorance that she was talking to someone on licence from a four-and-a-half-year sentence for rape.”

Woodcraft, who resides on Oliver Street in Ampthill, pleaded guilty to charges of sexual activity with a girl under sixteen. The court sentenced him to serve the remaining year of his previous sentence, along with an additional five months for the new offence. The judge, John Bevan QC, underscored the seriousness of the case, remarking, “This was a terrifying experience for a 15-year-old girl.”

Defence lawyer Derek Johashen argued that the contact was initiated through mutual friends on Facebook and that Woodcraft was not acting with predatory intent. He acknowledged that the kissing in the car was mutual but accepted full responsibility for what transpired afterward. Woodcraft also submitted a letter expressing remorse for his actions.

In conclusion, the court’s decision reflects the severity of the offence and the impact on the young victim, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online and the importance of safeguarding young people from predators.