Man jailed for 22 years for rape and sexual assaults against a child

A 46-year-old man has been jailed for sexual offences against a child.

Martin Woods, formerly from Hadleigh, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 9 January) where he was given a 22-year sentence, with an extended licence period of six years.

Woods was charged with six offences, which he denied but was subsequently found guilty of the following by a jury in December 2024:

• 3 counts of attempted assault on a girl under 13 by penetration
• 2 counts of rape of a girl under 13
• 1 count of assault of a girl under 13 by touching

The offences relate to one victim and occurred more than 10 years’ ago.

Woods will serve this sentence concurrently to an existing sentence from 2021, for which he pleaded guilty to rape and sexual assault of a child under 13, and five counts of taking or making indecent images of children. This investigation related to a separate victim. 

Woods had already signed the sex offenders register as part of his existing sentence and will remain on it for life. He is also the subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Kate Hutson said: “Woods is a dangerous offender who has shown a pattern of behaviour in befriending young families in order to sexually abuse children.

“I echo Judge Emma Peters who commended the victim on her bravery and her resilience. In a statement to the court, the victim described how difficult it was to talk about what had happened to her saying that the words were pushed in so far that she didn’t know how to get them out.

“She has shown great courage to report the crimes against her and in supporting the investigation throughout, culminating in her giving evidence at the 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.”

Anyone who would like to speak to someone in confidence about sexual abuse or violence can contact Suffolk police on 101, or staff at The Suffolk SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre), The Ferns, on 0330 223 0099 or via email [email protected]

For further information, support and advice Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Suffolk Constabulary

Survivors In Transition | Support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse - Specialist support in Suffolk for female and male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, violence and exploitation

Here To Help | Brave Futures - provides a therapeutic service for children and young people up to 21 years who have reported being sexually abused and to offer support for their families.