In October 2026, a 35-year-old man from Clitheroe was sentenced to eight years and four months’ imprisonment at Preston Crown Court after being convicted of raping a sleeping woman at her home.
Christopher Wood, of Kay Street, Clitheroe, appeared for sentence on Friday 23 October 2026 following a contested trial where jurors rejected his claims of innocence.
The prosecution outlined that the attack occurred in June 2022 at a residential property in East Lancashire. The complainant woke during the night to discover Wood actively raping her. When she demanded that he get off her, Wood repeatedly laughed in response while continuing the assault.
Lancashire Police officers arrested Wood on the day of the attack. Throughout formal police questioning, he maintained a denial of any wrongdoing. Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Wood was charged on indictment with rape.
Wood entered a not guilty plea, taking the case to trial at Preston Crown Court. On Friday 11 September, a jury found him guilty of rape.
Passing sentence, the Crown Court judge addressed the violation of attacking the victim inside her own home and the contempt shown by laughing at her pleas to stop.
The judge imposed an immediate custodial sentence of eight years and four months. Under statutory provisions for serious sexual offences, Wood will be required to serve at least two-thirds of the term behind bars before being considered for parole.
The court further issued a 20-year restraining order prohibiting Wood from having any contact with the victim, alongside an order requiring him to comply with indefinite notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life.
Image – Lancashire Police Custody Photo
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