PAUL COLLIER-WOODS FROM STOCKPORT AND WOODS SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has shocked the local community, Paul Collier-Woods, a resident of the Stockport area, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for a series of serious sexual offences committed against a young girl. The crimes, which spanned over a decade, involved systematic abuse that began when the victim was only five years old, highlighting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

Paul Collier-Woods, born on May 25, 1944, and previously known by the surname Higginbotham, appeared before Manchester Crown Court to face charges related to his heinous actions. The court heard detailed accounts of how Collier-Woods subjected the young girl to repeated acts of indecency and assault during the 1970s and early 1980s. The severity of the allegations was underscored by the fact that the abuse was ongoing over several years, causing profound trauma to the victim.

He faced multiple charges, including nine counts of indecent assault of a child, one count of committing an act of indecency with a child, and three counts of rape. Collier-Woods pleaded guilty to all charges except those related to rape. Initially, he admitted to the abuse but claimed that it only occurred over a six-month period. He attempted to justify his actions by attributing them to medication he was taking at the time for a back injury, suggesting that the drugs might have influenced his behavior.

However, his explanation was challenged by a Pharmacy Professional Advisor representing NHS England. The advisor stated that there was no evidence to support the claim that opiates or similar medications could lead to the emergence of sexual ideation or criminal behavior. The court, after considering all evidence, decided to impose a substantial sentence, reflecting the gravity of the offences and the lasting impact on the victim.

Paul Collier-Woods’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the need for vigilance within communities. His sentencing marks a significant step in delivering justice for the victim and underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities to combat child abuse in the Stockport area and beyond.