BRADFORD BROTHERS DAVID AND PETER WOOLHAM SENTENCED TO 8 YEARS FOR DECADES-OLD RAPE CASES IN BUTTERSHAW AND CLAYTON HEIGHTS

In a case that has spanned over five decades, two brothers from Bradford, David Woolham and Peter Woolham, have been sentenced to eight years in prison each for their involvement in a series of heinous sexual offenses committed during the 1960s. The convictions, handed down by Bradford Crown Court last month, reveal a disturbing history of systematic abuse inflicted upon young girls during their childhoods in the Wyke area of Bradford.

David Woolham, aged 60 and residing on Highgate Road in Clayton Heights, and his brother Peter Woolham, aged 59 and wheelchair-bound, living on Prospect Street in Buttershaw, were found guilty of multiple counts of rape and indecent assault. The crimes date back to when they were themselves children, with the victims being girls aged between ten and fifteen at the time of the abuse. The court heard that the brothers began their predatory behavior in their early teens, taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of their young victims.

Prosecutor Gerald Hendron detailed to the court that the brothers’ abusive actions occurred during their formative years, a period marked by personal hardship following the death of their father and their mother’s struggle to raise them alone. The court was told that the brothers’ misconduct was not isolated, as Peter Woolham was also convicted of indecently assaulting a second girl, aged six to twelve, further highlighting the extent of their criminal behavior.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC delivered a stern judgment, describing the brothers’ conduct as “callous, wicked, and knowingly premeditated.” He recounted the disturbing details of the abuse, including that David Woolham took the girl’s virginity when she was between ten and twelve years old, and that he was approximately sixteen at the time. The judge stated, “You grabbed her, took her, ignored her screams and raped her,” emphasizing the brutality of the acts.

The impact on the victims has been profound and lasting. One woman, who gave a statement to the court, shared her ongoing struggles, saying, “I turned into a mad woman and did not like myself. I still get flashbacks and I know that they will last the rest of my life.” The second woman revealed her battles with alcohol and mental health, including an overdose and sleepless nights, as she tried to cope with her trauma.

In addition to the prison sentences, Judge Durham Hall imposed a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits the brothers from having any contact with the victims. Furthermore, both men were ordered to register as sex offenders for the remainder of their lives, a measure aimed at safeguarding the community and preventing further harm.

Legal representatives for the brothers provided some context regarding their clients’ health. Sarah Barlow, representing David Woolham, stated that his offending ceased when he was around 20 years old and that he is now in poor health, suffering from epilepsy and arthritis. Similarly, Martin Robertshaw, defending Peter Woolham, mentioned that his client has experienced a broken hip and has diabetes.

Detective Constable Ellen Allen, who was commended by the judge for her diligent work on the investigation, issued a statement after the sentencing. She expressed hope that the outcome would bring some measure of relief to the victims, stating, “Both these men subjected their victims to a catalogue of serious sexual offences spanning a considerable amount of time. Hopefully, today’s outcome will provide some comfort to their victims and enable them to move on with their lives.”