Jacob Woodcock sentenced over sexual abuse of teen at Beerwah home

A former real estate agent who was afforded a chance to stay out of jail after he sent sexually charged messages to a cop masquerading as a child has offended again, this time against a real girl.

Jacob Andrew Woodcock faced Maroochydore District Court on Wednesday. Picture: Sam Turner

A Beerwah man who was caught grooming a child online went one step further after his last court appearance, this time luring a young girl to his home to abuse.

Jacob Andrew Woodcock was handed an immediately suspended jail term in 2019 after he admitted to sending sexually charged messages to a detective who masqueraded as a child between November 15, 2017 and March 15, 2018.

Despite a psychologist report which stated he had no interest in girls under 16 and was a low risk of reoffending, the 36-year-old went on to talk to another child online, this time a real teenage girl.

Maroochydore District Court was told on Wednesday Woodcock added the 15-year-old girl online and messaged her for several months without a reply.

Crown prosecutor Alex Stark said the victim had her date of birth set as two years older at 17-years-old, however there were posts online which indicated she was 15-years-old.

The Beerwah man asked how old she was, she ignored it and asked who he was, to which he replied he was a “random add”.

Woodcock outside court. Picture: Sam Turner

Woodcock continued these messages until he enticed her to reply by giving her things, namely money, if she came to his home for sexual acts.

Mr Stark said the young girl agreed to go to Woodcock’s Beerwah home where he indecently treated the young girl before they had intercourse.

A report was made to police and Woodcock was arrested on June 4, 2022. He spent more than two years in custody before he was granted Supreme Court bail on July 17 last year.

Mr Stark tendered a victim impact statement to the court where the girl spoke of the emotional impact Woodcock’s crimes had upon her mental health, which she was still grappling with to this day.

The court was told Woodcock was charged with a different indictment of charges, however the negotiations led to him instead pleading guilty to two counts of indecent treatment of a child and one of engaging in penile intercourse with a child.

Defence barrister Ambyr Cousen said Woodcock struggled with alcohol addiction at the time which led to the offending.

She said she wanted to clarify that the 36-year-old was told the victim was 18 when they made plans to meet, until she made a disclosure of her actual age when she arrived.

Ms Cousen said the 36-year-old accessed counselling while in custody, saw a psychologist, accepted the impact his crimes had on the young girl, and was remorseful.

Judge Michael Williamson KC jailed Woodcock for three years’ and three months’, however due to the 775 days already served, it was immediately suspended for four years.

Originally published as Jacob Woodcock sentenced over sexual abuse of teen at Beerwah home