DAVID WOODS FROM ATTLEBOROUGH AND NORWICH JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Attleborough and Norwich, David Woods, a 50-year-old man, has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for engaging in sexual activities with a teenage girl aged just 14. Woods, who was previously employed as an undertaker in Attleborough, was found guilty of grooming the young girl through a series of emails and text messages, which included sending explicit photographs of himself and persuading her to send him nude images in return.

The disturbing relationship was brought to light after the victim’s friend’s mother noticed her with Woods and subsequently informed the girl’s family. This led to police investigations that uncovered a pattern of inappropriate communication and behavior. Prosecutor Duncan O’Donnell detailed that Woods had not only sent naked pictures of himself to the girl but had also secretly saved images of her when she posed for him via webcam. Furthermore, Woods allegedly asked the girl and her friend to pose for photographs in their physical education (PE) kits, adding to the troubling nature of his conduct.

During the court proceedings at Norwich Crown Court, it was revealed that Woods had sent numerous explicit text messages to the victim. The girl herself admitted to having engaged in sexual activity with Woods, which compounded the seriousness of the case. Police investigations also uncovered approximately 30 other indecent images of children stored on Woods’ computer, highlighting a disturbing pattern of behavior.

The impact of Woods’ actions on the victim was profound. An impact statement presented in court described how she had been deeply affected by the events, to the extent that she had attempted self-harm. The court heard that Woods’ actions exploited her vulnerability, despite the fact that he did not physically coerce her. Nevertheless, the judge emphasized that the significant age difference and Woods’ deliberate pursuit of the girl’s trust constituted a grave breach of boundaries.

Judge Nicholas Coleman sentenced Woods to four and a half years in prison, ordered him to register as a sex offender, and prohibited him from working with children. In his remarks, the judge acknowledged that Woods had not physically forced the girl but had knowingly taken advantage of her vulnerability to satisfy his own desires. He described Woods’ interest in young girls as “unhealthy” and expressed concern over the lasting impact on the victim’s life.

Representing Woods, solicitor Michael Clare stated that Woods had led a relatively blameless life until this incident and did not seek to justify his actions. Clare emphasized that Woods had pleaded guilty, thereby sparing the victim the ordeal of a court trial, and acknowledged Woods’ honesty and remorse in recognizing the harm caused.