'Appalling catalogue of abuse' Leeds pensioner locked up for 13 years after being found guilty of historic sex offences against two children

Richard Woods, 72, has been brought to justice more than two decades after he preyed upon his first victim.

A jury heard how Woods' victims will suffer lifelong psychological harm as a result of his offending.

The victims were between the ages of 11 and 14 years old when they were abused by Woods.

The pensioner refused to accept responsibility for what he had done and went on trial at Leeds Crown Court.

Woods, of Lea Farm Walk, Hawksworth, Leeds was found guilty of attempted rape, four counts of sexual assault, indecent assault and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Woods was also placed on the sex offender register for life.

Kitty Colley, mitigating, said Woods suffers from significant health problems which are expected to become worse while he is in prison.

The barrister said: "He will find being in custody for a significant length of time very difficult.

"He has no real contact with anybody in the outside community."

After the case, Detective Inspector Vicky Alexander, of Leeds District Safeguarding Unit, said: “Woods was responsible for an appalling catalogue of sexual abuse against two vulnerable victims over a sustained period of time.

“Specialist safeguarding officers have supported the victims throughout the investigation and the court process that has seen Woods held accountable for his actions.

“We hope the successful outcome of this case and the significant sentence he has received will provide some reassurance to the victims, and also give other victims of offences such as these the confidence to come forward.”