SIMON WOODS OF BRINNINGTON SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND ASSAULT ON TEENAGERS IN STOCKPORT

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Simon Woods, a 35-year-old man from Grasscroft, Brinnington, Stockport, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual assault and rape of two teenage girls. The incidents took place over a span of several years, with the first attack occurring in 2000 and the second in 2003, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

Woods was found guilty at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court after admitting to multiple charges, including rape, indecent assault, attempted rape, and assault. The court heard harrowing details of his crimes, which have left lasting scars on the victims. The first victim, a 17-year-old girl, was assaulted in 2000. During the trial, it was revealed that Woods had attacked her after she had undergone an abortion, which he learned about and reacted to with violent rage. The court was told that Woods kicked her in the stomach upon discovering she was pregnant with his child, an act that caused her immense emotional and physical trauma.

Following the assault, the first victim attempted to take her own life, overwhelmed by the trauma inflicted by Woods. Prosecutor Joanna Rodikis described the scene, stating, “On 8 May 2000, the girl had an abortion. It was the defendant’s child as there had been no-one else. When he found out, he kicked her in the stomach.” The court heard that the girl screamed and fought to escape but was unable to do so.

The second victim, a 16-year-old girl, was attacked in late 2003. Woods had approached her with the disturbing intention of taking her virginity. During the assault, he told her to smile and pretend she was enjoying herself, even as she cried out in pain. The attack involved physical violence, including kicks, punches, and banging her head against a wall. The girl confided in a friend afterward, which led to Woods’ arrest. The court also noted an earlier incident where Woods had touched a 15-year-old girl’s breasts, although this was not part of the charges brought against him.

During his arrest, Woods attempted to shift blame onto his girlfriend, claiming she did not love him and only spent his money. It was also revealed that Woods had become obsessed with bodybuilding, feeling inferior because of his small stature. His defense team argued that his aggressive behavior was linked to the large amounts of steroids he had taken, which contributed to his violent tendencies.

Judge Stuart Fish sentenced Woods to 12 years in prison, emphasizing the severe and lasting impact of his actions. The court also ordered Woods to be monitored and supervised until 2019 upon his release. Additionally, he was banned from working with children and was required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the threat he poses to the community in Brinnington and Stockport.