A survivor of domestic abuse has encouraged others to report to the police and get the justice they deserve on the day her perpetrator was jailed.
Adam Woodhouse, 35, of Edrick Walk, HA8, appeared at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, 4 April, where he was jailed for five years, after previously being convicted of multiple offences including cyber-flashing, arson with intent and stalking.
Woodhouse subjected the victim to a year of abuse after their relationship ended. This included bombarding her with hundreds of abusive messages and phone calls, recording videos of her outside her address and smashing her garden pots and car windows. Amongst the excessive messages, Woodhouse texted the victim, saying, “I will go to prison for murder of you.”
In July 2024, Woodhouse broke into the victim’s address, stealing all sets of house keys and her car.
Woodhouse continued to bombard the victim with abuse, and in September 2024, he set fire to a moped outside her address, trapping the victim and her children inside. Following a quick response by the London Fire Brigade, those inside were rescued and uninjured.
After the fire, Woodhouse called the victim and laughed at her, gloating about his actions. Whilst evading police for the arson offence, Woodhouse then sent images of his genitals to the victim, which were unsolicited and threatening.
He was arrested on 30 September in Lincolnshire. During an interview, Woodhouse was extremely aggressive towards officers, stealing interview papers and swearing. Whilst in the custody cell, he urinated over the cell and under the door. He was further arrested for criminal damage.
After being charged, Woodhouse pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, stalking, cyber-flashing, burglary, taking without consent and criminal damage.
He appeared at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, 4 April, where he was sentenced to five years in prison. He was also issued with a lifetime restraining order against the victim after being described as a “dangerous offender” by the judge.
Following the sentencing, the victim said, “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.
“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.”
