SHAUN WOODHOUSE FROM HORSFORD SENTENCED IN IPSWICH FOR CHILD MOLESTATION CRIMES

In December 2018, a serious case of child molestation culminated in the sentencing of Shaun Woodhouse, a man with ties to Horsford in Norfolk. The incident involved the abuse of a teenage girl during a private family viewing, an act that has left deep scars on the victim and her family.

Woodhouse, aged 45, was found guilty by a court of four separate counts related to the molestation that occurred in 2013. The court proceedings took place at Ipswich Crown Court, where the judge, David Goodin, presided over the case. On the day of sentencing, December 14, Woodhouse appeared in court and confirmed his identity, but he did not make any further statements.

Judge Goodin addressed the court and emphasized the profound impact the abuse had on the victim’s life. He stated, “This has had a significant effect on her schooling and university life,” highlighting the long-term consequences of Woodhouse’s actions. The judge also condemned the opportunistic nature of the crime, remarking, “Common sense dictates you must have at least considered what you were going to do – this was an opportunistic crime and you took that opportunity.”

Furthermore, Judge Goodin pointed out the breach of trust involved in the case, noting, “Yours was a solemn position of trust between the victim and the victim’s mother, which you broke.” The gravity of the offense was underscored by the fact that it involved a vulnerable young girl and a betrayal of familial trust.

Prosecutor Lindsay Cox brought additional context to the case by reminding the court of Woodhouse’s prior offenses. She asked the judge to consider three previous incidents from 2000, where Woodhouse was convicted of exposing himself and masturbating in front of women aged 16, 20, and 30. These offenses occurred between January and February of that year, painting a troubling pattern of behavior.

In mitigation, defense lawyer Danielle O’Donovan requested the court to consider Woodhouse’s family circumstances and the potential financial hardship that a custodial sentence might impose. Despite these pleas, the court handed down a sentence that reflected the severity of the crimes. Woodhouse was sentenced to three concurrent six-month sentences for three counts, along with a two-year sentence for attempted rape. The overall sentence was structured so that Woodhouse would serve one year in prison, followed by a further year on license.

Following the sentencing, the mother of the victim expressed her anguish and the lasting damage caused by Woodhouse’s actions. She stated, “Nobody can underestimate how much my daughter has suffered. It has affected her enormously and ruined years of her life she should have been able to enjoy.” She further revealed that her daughter now avoids Norwich city centre altogether, fearing encounters with Woodhouse. The mother concluded, “He has destroyed my daughter’s life,” underscoring the devastating impact of the crime on her family.