SHEFFIELD RAPIST GETS 11 YEARS FOR BRUTAL WOODLAND ATTACK
A man named Brandon Woolven, aged 22 and from Brighton, has received a sentence of over 11 years after admitting to raping a woman in a Sheffield woodland.The incident occurred at approximately 10am on Thursday, April 14, when Woolven assaulted a woman in her twenties near Pontefract Road, grabbing her while she was walking her dog.
He then dragged her into a wooded area where he carried out a series of physical and sexual assaults, including rape.
The situation changed when two joggers nearby heard the commotion and intervened, rushing to help the woman and managing to separate Woolven from her.
She later told police that she believed her life could have been threatened if not for the quick actions of the passersby.
During the rescue, Woolven attacked one of the joggers, but both managed to hold him until police arrived.
Woolven was arrested at the scene and later pleaded guilty to charges of rape, two sexual assaults, and two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm.
His sentencing took place at Sheffield Crown Court on September 9, where he was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison and received an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Detective Constable Becky Robinson from Barnsley CID called the case especially disturbing and praised the courage of the victim and the members of the public involved.
She explained, “In my 16 years of service as a police officer, I have never faced an investigation as distressing as this.” Robinson noted that Woolven targeted his victim at random, in broad daylight, engaging in a brutal and sustained physical and sexual assault.
The woman expressed her belief that she could have been killed if not for the intervention of the two passersby, whose bravery she appreciated immensely.
Robinson also thanked the victim for her resilience and cooperation throughout the process.
She added, “This case was truly terrifying, and I want to commend the victim for her unwavering support during the police investigation and her extraordinary bravery.
The two members of the public who intervened and were injured also deserve recognition for their heroism.” Woolven, without a fixed address but originating from Brighton, showed no remorse and pleaded guilty to all charges.
The court’s ruling reflects the gravity of his offenses.
The victim continues to recover physically and mentally from the attack, with the sentence serving as part of her path to healing.
Robinson expressed hope that justice had been achieved, emphasizing the importance of the legal response to such crimes.
The report also covers themes related to crime, policing, and the judicial process in similar incidents.
