DAVID WOODRUFF LOCKING BRISTOL PENSIONER SENTENCED FOR HISTORICAL SEXUAL ABUSE

In October 2014, a long-overdue chapter of justice was finally closed for a man from Locking, Bristol, named David Woodruff, who faced the consequences of his past heinous crimes. The 70-year-old, who has no fixed address but was formerly residing in Severn Beach, appeared before Judge Mark Horton to be sentenced for a series of serious sexual offenses committed decades earlier. This court appearance was a stark reminder of the dark secrets that had haunted him for years, and it marked a significant moment in the ongoing pursuit of justice for his victims.

Woodruff pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of serious sexual assault, gross indecency with a child, and indecent assault. The court was told that his criminal actions spanned over different periods, with the most recent offenses coming to light after his earlier conviction. Judge Horton did not hold back in his condemnation, stating, “You stole his childhood. You blighted his later life, emotionally and psychologically, in the most serious way.” The judge’s words underscored the profound impact of Woodruff’s actions on his victims’ lives.

One of the victims, who chose to speak publicly about his ordeal, expressed his thoughts on the sentence. He said, “The sentence was appropriate. I think there are other victims out there and I certainly hope they come forward. It just shows the police are taking notice of historical cases now.” His statement reflected a sense of relief and hope that justice might still be served for others who suffered in silence.

The case was further detailed by prosecutor Stephen Mooney, who recounted that Woodruff had previously been jailed in 2012 for similar offenses. In that earlier case, he was convicted of luring a young boy to his houseboat in Bristol docks, where he subjected the child to multiple sexual assaults, including rape. After serving time for those crimes, new allegations emerged, revealing that Woodruff had also abused another boy when he was a child.

According to Mr. Mooney, Woodruff was employed as a delivery driver for a bakery. His position allowed him to befriend the boy’s mother, which facilitated his access to the child. The abuse reportedly took place both during deliveries and at the boy’s home in Severn Beach. The court heard that Woodruff took the boy on a trip to Plymouth, where they stayed at the Grand Hotel. This was a significant event, as it was the boy’s first experience in a hotel, and he was reportedly starstruck by the treatment he received.

During the hotel stay and in the lorry, Woodruff continued to abuse the boy. The victim later read a statement to the court, describing how he was drawn to Woodruff’s kindness and friendship, which he lacked elsewhere. “He offered to take me out in his lorry and I jumped at the chance. He showed me kindness and friendship, which I wasn’t getting at home. My younger brothers were getting all the attention. My father was a drunk, and I guess he (Woodruff) treated me nicely. I fell in love with him, and the abuse happened. It went on for a couple of years,” he explained.

The victim also shared the long-lasting effects of the abuse, revealing that after their contact ended, he turned to alcohol and drugs, was raped by another man, and experienced multiple incarcerations. Despite these struggles, he is now happily married with children, but the memories continue to haunt him. “It’s still on my mind. A trip to Severn Beach brought back memories. For the last three years, I have had constant dreams about it. Perhaps publicity brought it to the forefront? I’ve seen a therapist, I told the police, and it is the biggest relief of my life,” he said.

Defense lawyer Jason Taylor acknowledged the victim’s bravery, emphasizing the lifelong impact of the abuse. “There’s no doubt that he has lived his life under a shadow. There have been life-long, devastating effects for him. Mr. Woodruff has taken the courageous step of pleading guilty. He faces the prospect of dying in prison. He is 70 and not in good health,” Taylor stated.

Reflecting on the earlier sentencing in February 2012, Woodruff, then 67 and residing on Elm Tree Road, Locking, was sentenced to 15 years after being convicted of nine separate sexual offenses against young boys. The charges included rape, indecent assaults, and indecency with boys aged between seven and eleven. The crimes took place in Bristol, and the abuse went unnoticed until one of his victims came forward. Despite denying the allegations initially, a jury found him guilty in December, leading to his subsequent sentencing in February.

Following his conviction, Woodruff was required to register as a sex offender and was permanently barred from working with children. Detective Inspector Mike Buck commented on the case, stating, “Woodruff targeted vulnerable people hoping that they would never speak out. The bravery the victims have shown has secured the sentence, and I hope it brings them comfort. We take any allegation of rape and sexual assault seriously and will fully investigate and bring offenders to justice. I would urge all victims, both historical and current, to come forward if they have suffered abuse and report it to us.”

Today, the case of David Woodruff stands as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the ongoing fight against sexual abuse, especially when it involves vulnerable children and long-standing offenders. The justice served in this instance aims to provide some measure of closure for the victims and to reinforce the message that such crimes will not be tolerated, regardless of how much time has passed.