JORDAN WOODS FROM NORTH SHIELDS SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN NORTH TYNESIDE

A man residing in North Shields has been formally sentenced to prison for the heinous crime of sexually abusing a young girl, an incident that occurred nearly ten years ago. The brave survivor, who was a schoolgirl at the time, chose to come forward and report the abuse to Northumbria Police in 2022, after years of silence and suffering in silence.

Jordan Woods, aged 27 and living on Railway Terrace in North Shields, was identified as the perpetrator. The allegations against him involved the sexual assault of a minor, specifically a girl under the age of 13. The charges included sexual assault by touching and inciting a female under 13 to engage in a sexual act. Woods was arrested and taken into custody, where he was interviewed by police officers. During the interview, he denied the allegations, attempting to dismiss or minimize the accusations against him.

In July 2023, Woods was formally charged with the offences. His court appearance took place at Newcastle Crown Court in January, where he faced the charges and was found guilty of both. The court proceedings revealed the severity of the case, and today, Woods received his sentence. Due to the circumstances of the case, including his age at the time of the offence, he was sentenced to two years and two months in prison. Additionally, the court imposed a restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim and mandated that Woods register as a sex offender for the next ten years.

The victim, who displayed remarkable courage, read a statement in court describing the profound impact the abuse had on her life. She expressed her feelings of isolation and the long-lasting effects of the trauma, stating, "I kept what happened to myself for a long time. No-one understood the way that I was, but I think this was because of what he did to me." She also shared her ongoing struggles, including nightmares and the need for counselling. The victim revealed that her self-esteem was deeply affected, leading her to avoid wearing certain clothes out of fear of being perceived as vulnerable or used.

Detective Constable David Taylor, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s bravery and resilience. He emphasized the importance of her coming forward, which allowed the authorities to identify Woods as a sex offender. Detective Taylor issued a stern warning to potential offenders, stating, "We won’t tolerate this type of behaviour and there are serious and lifelong consequences. It doesn’t matter how much time has passed, or how old the offender is, we will do everything we can to bring them to justice."

He also highlighted the support available for victims, encouraging anyone who has experienced sexual offences to seek help. The police work closely with various charities and organizations dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual abuse, ensuring that victims are not alone in their journey toward justice and healing.