Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Monday 7th April 2025 at 08:00hrs
A courageous survivor of horrific domestic abuse has spoken out, encouraging other victims to seek help from the police after her tormentor was jailed for five years.
Adam Woodhouse, 35, of Edrick Walk, Harrow, London, was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, April 4th, after being convicted of a string of terrifying offences including cyber-flashing, arson with intent to endanger life, and stalking.
The court heard how Woodhouse subjected his victim to a year-long campaign of abuse following the end of their relationship.
His relentless actions included bombarding her with hundreds of abusive messages and phone calls, filming her outside her home, and vandalizing her property by smashing garden pots and car windows.
In one chilling message, Woodhouse threatened to murder the victim, stating, “I will go to prison for murder of you.”
The abuse escalated in July 2024 when Woodhouse broke into the victim’s home and stole all sets of house keys and her car.
Despite this, his campaign of terror continued. In September 2024, he committed an act of extreme violence by setting fire to a moped outside her address, trapping the victim and her children inside their home.
Thankfully, the London Fire Brigade responded swiftly, and all occupants were rescued unharmed. Following the arson attack, Woodhouse callously laughed at the victim and gloated about his actions.
While evading police for the arson offence, Woodhouse further subjected his victim to abuse by sending unsolicited and threatening images of his genitals.
He was eventually apprehended on September 30th in Lincolnshire.
During his police interview, Woodhouse displayed aggressive behaviour towards officers, stealing interview papers and swearing. He also caused criminal damage by urinating in his custody cell and under the door.
Faced with overwhelming evidence, Woodhouse pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, stalking, cyber-flashing, burglary, taking without consent, and criminal damage.
At his sentencing hearing on Friday, April 4th, the judge deemed Woodhouse a “dangerous offender” and handed down a five-year prison sentence. In addition, a lifetime restraining order was imposed to protect the victim.
Following the sentencing, the brave survivor released a powerful statement:
“What Adam has put my children and I through has ruined our lives completely, and I would never want any other woman to go through this.”
She continued with a message of hope and encouragement for others:
“I would say to any other women who are experiencing domestic abuse to be brave, come forward and get support from the police to get the justice you deserve. I have felt very supported by DC Olivia Fox and from working closely together we have managed to get justice today.”
Detective Constable Olivia Fox from the North West Public Protection Unit praised the victim’s courage and resilience.
“Woodhouse demonstrated that he was an abusive domestic perpetrator, repeatedly targeting this young woman to the point this abuse took over her life,” DC Fox stated.
“Woodhouse made it his mission to make this woman’s life hell and treated her like she was a possession that he owned. He would then ‘love-bomb’ her and attempt to persuade her that she needed him.”
DC Fox highlighted the victim’s initial fear, saying, “She was so terrified of Woodhouse that she initially withdrew supporting the investigation out of fear. It takes a brave person to pick up with an emotionally draining investigation again and I commend her tenacity and strength.
I hope that today’s sentence allows her to move forward with her life.”
Addressing potential barriers for other victims, DC Fox added, “Victims of domestic abuse can often feel lonely and isolated and I understand that many have perceptions that the police won’t be able to help.
We are better trained than ever to investigate reports of domestic abuse and will continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure that all victims of domestic abuse get justice.”
This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic abuse and the importance of victims coming forward to seek help.
The survivor’s powerful words and the successful prosecution of Adam Woodhouse offer a beacon of hope for others living in fear.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please reach out for help.
You can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit their website for more information.
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