A Havant Paedophile, Christian Wood, who exploited a girl’s youth by assaulting her for over a decade before targeting a younger victim has been incarcerated for his reprehensible acts.
Christian Wood, 43, was sentenced to 13 years at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday (24 February), comprising 10 years of imprisonment and three years on parole, for the abuse perpetrated against two young girls over a period exceeding a decade.
Christian Wood was convicted of sexual assault of a child under 13, three charges of sexual conduct with a minor, assault by penetration, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity by a jury on 3 February after a one-week trial.
The court heard how Christian Wood groomed one of his victims over a period of years, touching her inappropriately, before engaging in sexual activity with her. As she got older, Wood moved on to another younger victim, subjecting her to online grooming and asking her for sexual favours.
Christian Wood’s abuse was reported to the police after the victims both found the courage to speak to someone they trusted.
One of the victims personal impact statements, read in court, explains how Christian Wood’s actions ruined her life. It said: I have lost my childhood. My memories have been overtaken by the sickening abuse I experienced, the abuse you put me through. I dont remember the good times. You damaged my mental health, my mood, and my motivation.
I have made several attempts to end my life because of the abuse and trauma I was subjected to.
You abused your power of trust and because of that I now have severe trust issues. This has impacted my ability to form different types of relationships, including family and friends. I am constantly on edge, searching for the negatives, risks and threats in all situations. Things I once used to enjoy have now become triggers and reminders of the disgusting abuse that you put me through.
The relationship that has been destroyed the most is the one with myself.
Investigating Officer PC David Beck said: At the heart of this investigation are two victims who have had their childhood stolen and lives affected forever.
Christian Wood’s offending was sinister and manipulative, distancing his victims from family and loved ones one of the victims recalled how he alienated her from her father.
No child should experience what Christian Wood’s two victims have suffered, no child should suffer abuse. Their bravery and courage throughout this investigation has been incredible. They have showed that they have a voice and theyre no longer afraid.
Wood showed no remorse for his actions, and even after inflicting abuse on the victims for years, still pleaded not guilty and subjected them to relive every experience at trial.
He is a vile human being who will now spend years in prison. I hope the sentencing of Christian Wood provides the victims with some sort of closure and helps them rebuild their lives.
The victims impact statement continued: This is me gaining my power and voice back. I am going to learn how to deal with this. I am free. I am going to thrive, and you are going to rot.
Christian Wood, formerly of Havant, Hampshire, was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
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