A man has been jailed for sexually abusing a child – as his brave survivor speaks out about the lifelong effects of his crimes.

A man has been jailed for sexually abusing a child – as his brave survivor speaks out about the lifelong effects of his crimes.

Jordan Woods, now 27, sexually assaulted the schoolgirl almost a decade ago in the North Tyneside area.

After years of keeping what had happened to herself, in 2022, the victim came forward and reported the offences to police.

Woods was arrested and interviewed by officers where he denied the allegations against him.

In July 2023, Woods, of Railway Terrace, North Shields, was charged with sexual assault by touching and inciting a female under 13 to engage in a sexual act.

He appeared at Newcastle Crown Court in January, where, following a trial, a jury found him guilty of both offences.

And today (Thursday), he attended the same court where he was sentenced to two years and two months in prison. Due to the particular circumstances in the case Woods was sentenced as a person under the age of 18. 

In an impact statement which was read before the court, the victim described how Woods’ offences had impacted her life.

She said: “I kept what happened to myself for a long time. No-one understood the way that I was, but I think this was because of what he did to me.

“At one point I was getting really bad dreams. Sometimes I still get the dreams.”

She continued: “I have had to attend counselling. I have also struggled with body image and because of this I wouldn’t wear certain clothes.

“I felt like I wouldn’t want to wear anything which would give the impression I was there to be used.”

Woods will spend ten years on the Sex Offenders’ Register and was handed a restraining order to protect the victim.

Leading the investigation was Detective Constable David Taylor of Northumbria Police.

Speaking after Woods’ sentencing, he said: “First and foremost, I’d like to praise the victim for the strength she has shown during this investigation and the subsequent criminal proceedings.

“It is thanks to her bravery in coming forward and disclosing what happened to her that the world is now fully aware of what Woods is – a sex offender.”

He added: “I hope this conviction serves as a stark warning to those who think they can take advantage of any child – we won’t tolerate this type of behaviour and there are serious and lifelong consequences.

“It doesn’t matter how much time has passed, or how old the offender is, we will do everything we can to bring them to justice.

“No one should ever have to endure this type of assault and support is available from our officers and the many fantastic charities we work closely in collaboration with day-in-day-out.

“If you have ever been a victim of any type of sexual offence, please know we’re here for you.”

Anyone who has been the victim of any form of sexual abuse – whether recent or non-recent – can contact police using the ‘Report’ pages of the Northumbria Police website, by using the Live Chat function on the website, or by sending a direct message on social media.

For those unable to contact police this way, call 101.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

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