Rape victim speaks out after attacker walks free with suspended sentence on her first night at college

Published 14 October 2026, 15:07

• Gloucestershire police published the survivor's story after Thomas Woodall, 19, raped a 17-year-old on their first night at Hartpury College in 2023.
• Woodall got three years suspended — a bid to have it reviewed as unduly lenient was rejected by the Attorney General's Office.
• 'Disappointed by the sentence,' the survivor still urged others to come forward: 'No matter what the outcome is, you can seek support.'

A rape survivor who was attacked on her first night at Hartpury College has spoken out to urge other victims to come forward, after her attacker walked free with a suspended sentence — and a bid to have it reviewed was rejected.

At the age of 16, Thomas Woodall raped and sexually assaulted a then-17-year-old girl on their first night on campus at Hartpury College in 2023.

The survivor told a friend afterwards, who told their parent, leading to the college being informed and police notified.

Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary's Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges.

Woodall stood trial at Cirencester Courthouse in August 2026 and was convicted of one count of vaginal rape and one count of sexual assault by digital penetration.

He was acquitted of one count of oral rape.

His Honour Judge Ian Lawrie sentenced Woodall, now 19, at Gloucester Crown Court on 14 September to three years in custody, suspended for three years, along with 200 hours of unpaid work and £4,380 in costs.

The judge noted that because Woodall was a minor when the offence was committed, sentencing had to follow youth guidelines, which prioritise rehabilitation.

At sentencing, Woodall's defence barrister told the court that, given his limited prior relationships and lack of life experience, he was immature for his 16 years, that genuine prospects of rehabilitation existed, and that he presented no risk of causing future harm.

The Crown Prosecution Service wrote to the Attorney General's Office requesting the sentence be referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

That request was rejected.

A victim impact statement read to the court laid bare the assault's lasting toll.

The survivor said she had enrolled at Hartpury College hoping for "a fresh start in a place surrounded by people who loved agriculture and animals," wanting to make new friends and experience things she had missed while working.

Instead, she said, the assault on her very first night "became the night that changed my sense of safety, trust, and self-worth."

She told the court the effects continue to affect her mental health, confidence, relationships, education, and even her ability to seek medical care.

"What happened that night changed the course of my life and stripped away the things I loved and enjoyed - my freedom, intimacy, and trust. Worst of all, it changed who I used to be, someone I never will be again, and I continue to live with the consequences every day."

Following sentencing, the survivor said: "The outcome in court wasn't what I expected and I'm disappointed by the sentence, but the main thing is I want people to know that this behaviour shouldn't be normalised."

She urged both females and males at college to know "it's ok to come forward and be heard; no matter what the outcome is, you can come forward and seek support."

She added: "No matter what anyone else may say, you know when someone does something to you what the truth is, you know if they are guilty or not and you are the one who can change your life for the better."

Detective Constable Elle Macleod, the investigating officer from the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, said the survivor "should be commended for her courage in coming forward to the police," describing the strength she showed giving evidence before a jury as "remarkable."

DC Macleod urged anyone who has suffered sexual violence to report it, acknowledging "how difficult it can be."