CHRISTIAN WOOD AND HIS SHOCKING ABUSE IN HAVANT AND SHEFFIELD

A man named Christian Wood has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after committing a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of two young girls. The crimes took place over a period of more than ten years and have left lasting scars on the victims.

Christian Wood, aged 43, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday, February 24th, to a total of 13 years in prison. This sentence comprises an incarceration period of 10 years, followed by a three-year period on license, reflecting the gravity of his actions. The court also imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) in an effort to prevent any further offending.

The jury, after a one-week trial that concluded on February 3rd, found Wood guilty of multiple serious charges. These included sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor, assault by penetration, and inciting a child to participate in sexual activities. The verdict underscored the severe nature of the crimes committed against his young victims.

The court heard harrowing details of how Wood had groomed one of his victims over several years. During this grooming process, he subjected her to inappropriate touching before eventually engaging in sexual acts. As this victim grew older, Wood’s criminal activity extended to a younger girl, whom he groomed online and coerced into sexual acts by asking her for sexual favors.

Both victims displayed remarkable bravery by coming forward to the police, despite the trauma they endured. Their courage led to Wood’s arrest and subsequent conviction. One victim’s personal statement, read aloud during the court proceedings, highlighted the devastating impact of Wood’s actions. She expressed that her childhood had been stolen, and her memories had been overshadowed by the abuse she suffered. She recounted her struggles with mental health, her mood, and her motivation, revealing how deeply her trauma has affected her.

She also shared that she had attempted to end her life on multiple occasions due to the severity of her abuse and trauma. The victim detailed how Wood’s manipulation and abuse had broken her trust, particularly highlighting how he alienated her from her family. This breakdown in her relationships and her inability to trust others has left her constantly on edge, looking out for potential threats or risks in everyday situations. Past joys and interests have become triggers, reminders of the cruel abuse she endured. Among all the relationships damaged by Wood’s actions, her relationship with herself was most profoundly affected.

Investigating officer PC David Beck commented on the case, emphasizing that the core victims had their childhoods stolen and lives forever changed by Wood’s manipulative and sinister behavior. He noted that Wood’s offending was deliberate and calculated, designed to isolate his victims from their families and loved ones. One of the victims even recalled how Wood had managed to alienate her from her father.

PC Beck stated that no child should have to suffer what these victims endured. Their resilience and willingness to testify against Wood demonstrated their incredible bravery. Despite the horrific experiences, they proved that their voices could be heard and that they no longer had to live in fear.

Throughout the proceedings, Wood showed no remorse. Notably, even after years of abusing his victims, he maintained a plea of not guilty during the trial and forced them to relive their trauma repeatedly. His actions and attitude have been described as morally repugnant.

The court’s verdict aims to bring some measure of closure and justice for the victims. The judge’s sentences and the licence conditions are intended to protect others and serve as a stark warning to potential offenders. In his statement, the victim expressed a sense of reclaiming her power, saying, “This is me gaining my power and voice back. I am going to learn how to deal with this. I am free. I am going to thrive, and you are going to rot.”

Christian Wood, who was formerly residing in Havant, Hampshire, now faces the reality of spending many years behind bars, a consequence of his sickening crimes that have devastated the lives of innocent children.