Gaynor Woodward

Gaynor Woodward, 58, from Worcester Court in Runcorn, has been jailed for four years after being convicted of child cruelty in connection with her husband Roy Woodward's sexual abuse of a young girl. While not directly perpetrating the sexual offences, Mrs Woodward witnessed her husband engaging in sexual activity with the child on at least one occasion and deliberately chose to ignore it, thereby failing in her duty of care and contributing to the ongoing abuse.

The case, heard at Chester Crown Court, revealed that the primary abuse was carried out by Roy Woodward against the victim from the age of four until around 16, involving rape and indecent assault in Warrington and Runcorn. Mrs Woodward's involvement came to light during the trial, where she was charged separately for child cruelty. Her defence barrister, Maria Masselis, argued that Mrs Woodward had 'closed her mind' to the possibility of her husband's actions, portraying her as someone who could otherwise be considered of good character based on references describing her as a loyal friend, hardworking woman, and trustworthy individual.

However, the court held her accountable for her inaction. Mrs Woodward has two previous offences on her record. Prosecutor Matthew Dunford outlined the broader context of the abuse's impact on the victim, who suffered long-term trauma affecting her trust and relationships. Judge Patrick Thompson's sentencing remarks focused primarily on Roy Woodward's direct culpability, but Mrs Woodward's four-year prison term underscores the severity of neglecting to protect a vulnerable child from known harm.

The convictions and sentencing occurred on Monday at Chester Crown Court, as covered by Runcorn and Widnes World, highlighting the complicit role in historical sex offences that enabled a 'campaign of rape' to persist.