MAN JAILED AFTER SEXUALLY ASSAULTING WOMAN HE HELD PRISONER IN BRADFORD DISTRICT FLAT
A man who sexually assaulted a woman after accusing her of concealing his drugs has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.During the hearing at Bradford Crown Court, it was revealed that Steven Woolley, aged 46, enticed the woman to a flat in Shipley in August last year and requested her to purchase drugs on his behalf.
When she refused, she provided him with a dealer's contact details instead.
Over the following two days, Woolley kept her held captive, claiming she had hidden his drugs on her person.
This led to a series of intense sexual and physical attacks.
Woolley also verbally abused her, insisting she wouldn’t leave until he had taken his medication.
At one point, the victim tried to escape, but Woolley stopped her and struck her.
She also attempted to discreetly communicate with others for help.
Ultimately, she managed to escape barefoot.
The police responded to the scene and arrested Woolley.
During his police interview, he denied the accusations.
Woolley, who had no permanent address and appeared through a video link from HMP Leeds, was found guilty after a trial of causing actual bodily harm through assault, sexual assault by penetration, false imprisonment, and assault by beating.
The court was told Woolley had 44 previous convictions involving 98 offenses since 1992.
At the time of the offenses, he was also violating a suspended sentence for harassment.
In a statement, the victim described suffering from “horrible vivid dreams” about the incident and feeling “terrified.” During mitigation, lawyer Verity Barnes noted Woolley's extensive criminal history but mentioned that there had been a significant break in offending behavior.
Her words explained that he faced numerous difficulties early in life, including being involved in three car crashes before turning ten, which caused short-term memory problems, and spending time in foster care.
Woolley was characterized as “vulnerable” and having a notable level of intellectual disability.
Deputy Circuit Judge Timothy Clayson sentenced Woolley to 11 years in prison, ordering him to register as a sex offender for life.
He also issued an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim.
