JAMES WOOLIS FROM ALDERCAR SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE IN DERBY

In a case that has shocked the local community of Aldercar and the wider Derby area, James Woolis, aged 70, was sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young girl. Woolis, residing on Gregory Avenue in Aldercar, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including rape, attempted rape, and indecency with a child, all relating to incidents that took place in the late 1960s.

Prosecutor Dawn Pritchard emphasized the profound and lasting impact Woolis's actions had on his victim’s life. She recounted a particularly disturbing incident where Woolis forcibly placed the girl’s hand on his crotch before compelling her to perform oral sex. These acts, committed decades ago, only came to light after the victim, now an adult, decided to report the abuse to the police in 2006.

Woolis was arrested that same year, initially denying the allegations. However, he later admitted to one of the incidents, claiming that he was attempting to educate the girl about the 'birds and the bees.' His admission was seen as a significant development in the case, though the court recognized the severity of his actions.

During the sentencing hearing at Derby Crown Court, Judge Andrew Hamilton described Woolis’s conduct as 'wicked' and 'terrible.' The judge noted that Woolis’s guilty plea at the earliest opportunity spared the court from having to delve into the full extent of the trauma inflicted. Sona Ahya, representing Woolis in mitigation, pointed out that Woolis acknowledged his guilt and that his plea prevented the court from having to confront the more traumatic and sensitive details of the case.

She also remarked that Woolis would face a difficult time in prison and that he had brought shame upon himself and his family, a burden he would carry for the rest of his life. Despite acknowledging these factors, Judge Hamilton emphasized the gravity of Woolis’s crimes, stating, 'What you have done is the most wicked thing. The events are stuck in the forefront of her mind, who knows what she has had to live with all these years. It is a terrible and wicked thing that you did.'

Ultimately, Woolis was sentenced to six years behind bars. The judge made it clear that had Woolis not pleaded guilty, the sentence could have been considerably longer. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Aldercar and serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of childhood abuse and the importance of justice.