Father’s anger at ‘predator’ who had sex with his 14-year-old daughter

Jan 31 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Skelmersdale Advertiser

A FATHER has spoken of his anger at the sexual predator who preyed on his 14-year-old daughter.

Martyn Woods, 21, of Banksbarn, Skelmersdale, was jailed for two years after admitting having sex with a 14-year-old girl at the age of 19.

Following the sentence, handed down at Liverpool Crown Court last week, the girl’s father spoke to the Advertiser about the impact the ordeal has had on their family.

He said: “He’s a predator trying to get with young girls. He was fully aware of her age and still did what he did. He took my daughter’s innocence. I’m very angry, very bitter towards him. I want others to know to stay away from him and I’m very pleased he’s now behind bars.”

Woods met the girl, who was wearing her school uniform, in Skelmersdale town centre in April 2011. He later encouraged her to run away from home and spend the evening with him.

He took her to his home where they had sex. The girl was reported missing to police by her parents. She later admitted what had happened and Woods was arrested.

The girl’s father said: “We were witless, absolutely witless. No parent should have to go through that. To think he took her to his home after school makes me sick.”

Appearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Woods pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a girl under 15. He was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to sign the sex offender register for 10 years.

Speaking after the sentencing, PC Kyle Hazelaar, of Skelmersdale police, said: “Woods targeted a vulnerable girl who had run away from home that evening. He had no reason to believe that she was older than 14, yet he took her home and encouraged her to have sex with him.

“His behaviour makes him a risk to other teenager girls and his sentence should serve as a warning to others who may think to take advantage of vulnerable youngsters.”