GLEN WOOD FROM UGTHORPE AND PAUL WILKINSON FROM HIGH CLARENCE AVOID PRISON AFTER SEX WITH UNDERAGE GIRL NEAR WHITBY AND STOCKTON

In a recent court hearing held at Teesside Crown Court, two men faced serious allegations related to their involvement with an underage girl. Glen Wood, aged 25, a resident of The Green in Ugthorpe, a small village near Whitby, and Paul Wilkinson, aged 23, from Lime Trees in High Clarence, close to Stockton, both pleaded guilty to engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 16. The incidents in question took place in June 1999, and the court proceedings revealed the disturbing details surrounding their actions.

Despite the gravity of their offenses, both men received relatively lenient sentences. They were sentenced to a two-year conditional discharge, a form of probation that allows them to avoid immediate imprisonment but requires them to adhere to certain conditions. Judge Anthony Briggs emphasized that these discharges should be considered as suspended sentences, meaning that if they commit further offenses within the period of their discharge, they could face imprisonment. Additionally, both Wood and Wilkinson were ordered to register as sex offenders for a period of five years, a measure intended to monitor their conduct and prevent future harm.

In a separate but related incident, Glen Wood also admitted to assault causing actual bodily harm against his 73-year-old grandmother. Details of this assault were not elaborated upon during the court proceedings, but the admission indicates a troubling pattern of behavior. The court's decision reflects a focus on rehabilitation and monitoring rather than incarceration, highlighting the judicial approach taken in this particular case.

The case has garnered attention due to the serious nature of the offenses and the relatively light sentences handed down. It underscores ongoing concerns about safeguarding minors and the importance of strict legal consequences for those who violate these protections. The community in Ugthorpe and the surrounding areas continue to watch closely as the implications of the court's decision unfold, emphasizing the need for vigilance and justice in cases involving vulnerable individuals.