Man jailed for 23 years for sexual offences against children

The offences started in the 1960s with the most recent offences between 2011 and 2020

Author: Cameron GreenPublished 29th Jul 2022

A man has been jailed for 23 years after pleading guilty to sexual offences against children.

Kenneth Wood, 82, of Tamworth, was sentenced at Stafford Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 28 July).

He pleaded guilty to two rapes on a girl under 13, three rapes of a girl over 13, two counts of indecent assault on a girl, sexual assault on a girl over 13 and sexual assault of a girl under 13.

The offences started in the 1960s with the most recent offences between 2011 and 2020.

Not only did Wood subject the victims to horrendous sexual abuse, but after they had the courage to report him to police, he continued to harass them by repeatedly driving down their street and even sending letters.

The court heard victim personal statements which described how the victims experience panic attacks, nightmares and difficulties in their personal relationships as a result of the trauma.

Judge Gosling said to Wood: “There is no way for a rationale human being to comprehend this campaign of rape. The only word to describe your perverted, evil mind is monster, and that is what you are.”

The investigating officer, DC Anna-Mae Dawson, of the force’s Child Protection and Exploitation Team, said: “It has taken immense bravery for the victims to come forward, and to stay strong throughout the investigation. We take all offences of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously and will do all we can to bring offenders to justice.

“This is a case that I personally will never forget. What happened to the victims is devastating, and still impacts them today. To be able to provide some justice and closure really captures why we become officers.”

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