JOHN WOOLER FROM SWANMORE SENTENCED IN GLOUCESTER FOR ABDUCTION AND SEXUAL ASSAULT OF TEENAGER

In a case that has shocked the local community, John Wooler, a 46-year-old man from Swanmore, Hampshire, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of abducting and indecently assaulting a teenage girl he met through an online chatroom. The incident, which took place in November 2001, was brought to light when the girl’s parents discovered a parcel containing her underwear that Wooler had sent her through the mail, prompting an investigation that ultimately led to his arrest.

Wooler, who was using a false name during his online interactions, initially befriended the 14-year-old girl by engaging her in conversations about her favorite pop music and other personal interests. It was revealed during court proceedings that Wooler was an adult married man in his forties, a fact he did not disclose to the girl. The court was informed that Wooler traveled approximately two hours from his home in Swanmore to meet the girl in person.

According to the court, Wooler drove to a remote location where they spent about an hour together in his car. During this meeting, Wooler kissed the girl passionately, an act that was described as spontaneous and voluntary. The court heard that Wooler and the girl had met in a lay-by near her home in Cheltenham before heading to the secluded spot. There, they sat talking, and the girl was seen drinking alcohol. At one point, she rested her head on Wooler’s lap, indicating a level of comfort and familiarity.

Prosecutor Toby Halliwell explained that Wooler became worried when the girl’s parents started sending her text messages to find out her whereabouts. As a result, Wooler decided to end their meeting and, during this process, kissed her. The court was told that after their initial encounter, Wooler and the girl continued to communicate via phone, with some conversations reportedly containing sexual content.

Wooler was charged with abduction because the girl’s parents had not given permission for the meeting, and he admitted to abducting and indecently assaulting her. Gloucester Crown Court heard that Wooler’s actions were serious enough to warrant a significant punishment, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from exploitation and harm. Judge Gabriel Hutton sentenced Wooler to 18 months in prison and ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years.

During the sentencing, Judge Hutton expressed his disapproval of Wooler’s conduct, stating, “You, a man in your forties, should be absolutely ashamed of yourself in carrying on this way with a girl of 14. She was obviously entirely willing but that is no excuse whatsoever because children have to be protected from themselves. I consider this is so serious that you have to be punished to show other people what is the likely result if they commit offences of this seriousness.”

Wooler, who has been married since 1975 and has three adult children, faced a difficult period following his arrest. His family described the experience as painful and challenging. His legal representative requested that Wooler be considered for a community rehabilitation order, including sex offender treatment programs and conditions, given his current unemployment and financial difficulties. Wooler’s home in Swanmore is reportedly on the market for sale, reflecting the upheaval caused by the case.