DAVID WOODFINDEN SHOCKINGLY JAILED IN LLANFAIRTALHAIARN FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL OFFENSES

In a startling development that has sent shockwaves through the small community of Llanfairtalhaiarn, David Woodfinden, a 70-year-old man with a notable local history, has been sentenced to three years in prison for serious criminal offenses committed over a decade ago.

The incident dates back to the period between 1993 and 1997, during which Woodfinden was accused of committing four separate indecent assaults against a girl who was under the age of 16 at the time. These allegations came to light recently, leading to his guilty plea on November 22, and culminating in his sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on the Friday that followed.

The court's decision was to impose a concurrent sentence of three years for each of the four counts, meaning he will serve the sentences simultaneously. The case has garnered significant attention within the village, where residents are grappling with the revelation of such serious allegations against a man who was once a respected figure in the community.

At the time of his conviction, Woodfinden was known to have held several prominent roles locally. He served as a Llanfairtalhaiarn community councillor, a church warden at St Mary’s Church, and also acted as the treasurer for the local community centre. His involvement in these positions made him a familiar and seemingly trusted figure among residents.

Following the charges and his guilty plea, Woodfinden resigned from his council position in October, prompting a by-election to fill his seat. A council spokesperson expressed their shock at the news, stating, “We are shocked at what’s happened. He was a hard working councillor, a St Mary’s Church warden and a community centre treasurer. He performed his duties very efficiently and was very active in the church.”

It is understood that the offenses took place outside the immediate area of Llanfairtalhaiarn, and there is no indication that the crimes were committed within the village itself. Had Woodfinden resigned after November 3, the timing would have meant no need for a by-election until the Wales-wide council elections scheduled for next May. However, because his resignation occurred in October, a special election was necessary. The seat was subsequently filled last month by Dr. Ahmed Jamil, who won the election to represent the community.

The case has left many in Llanfairtalhaiarn in a state of disbelief, as the community grapples with the stark contrast between the man’s previous roles and the serious allegations now confirmed by the court.