Dangerous Paedophile Who Abused Children Jailed for 22 Years

Martin Woods, a "dangerous" paedophile who preyed on young families to sexually abuse children, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison. The 46-year-old from Hadleigh, Suffolk, was found guilty of six offences against an underage girl over a decade ago.

Woods will serve his sentence concurrently with an existing sentence he received in 2021 for sexually assaulting a different child. Upon release, he will remain on the sex offenders register for life and be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

"Woods is a dangerous offender who has shown a pattern of behaviour in befriending young families in order to sexually abuse children," said Det Con Kate Hutson from Suffolk Police.

Prior to his December trial, Woods faced charges including attempted assault on a girl under 13 by penetration, rape of a girl under 13, and assault of a girl under 13 by touching. He will be ineligible for parole consideration until he has served at least 14 years and six months.

Det Con Hutson commended the "bravery" and "resilience" of Woods' victim. In her court statement, she described the immense difficulty in speaking about the abuse, saying the words felt "pushed in so far that she didn't know how to get them out." She showed remarkable courage in reporting the crimes against her and supporting the investigation throughout, culminating in her giving evidence at trial.

“I hope that knowing Woods will serve at least 14 years and eight months before being eligible for parole will bring her some measure of closure,” added Det Con Hutson.

This recent conviction follows a 2021 sentencing where Woods was jailed for rape, sexual assault of a child under 13, and five counts of taking or making indecent images of children.