Family of murdered woman speak out for domestic abuse victims as Barnsley man jailed for life for machete attack

Craig Woodhall appeared at Sheffield Crown Court today (Friday 2 October) where he was sentenced to life in prison, serving a minimum term of 18-and-a-half years.

Craig’s victim, 31-year-old mother-of-three Victoria Woodhall, was stabbed multiple times on Sunday 29 March 2020.

Her family has today released the following statement: “No sentence the judge could have handed down today can bring Vicky back to her family, nor compensate for the terrible pain we are suffering.

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“We would urge anyone who is suffering domestic violence, or who thinks someone they know may be, to tell someone about it.

“We hope this message might save even one other family from having to endure the nightmare we have endured following Vicky’s murder.”

Speaking after sentencing, senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Ben Wood said: “I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Victoria’s family and friends, as they try to process the loss of their loved one.

“Woodhall is a dangerous, violent individual and I am pleased he has been handed a lengthy prison term for his crime.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to recognise the efforts of the investigative team of officers and staff who worked tirelessly on this case as well as those officers who first attended the scene; all have shown compassion and professionalism throughout.

“Their relentless commitment to securing justice for Victoria and her family has led to a successful conviction for a very serious crime.

“To the witnesses at the scene, I also extend my thanks. You saw something truly horrific, but were so helpful with our initial enquiries and supportive throughout our investigation.

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“I hope the wider community are also reassured by the swift action taken by police officers to apprehend Woodhall and bring him before the courts.”

On March 29 at 4.55pm members of the public began calling 999 after Woodhall chased Victoria from their property in Windsor Crescent into the street, before attacking her with a machete.

DI Wood said: “Victoria was subjected to a brutal and sustained attack, and there were several people in the immediate vicinity who witnessed this horrifying murder.

“Our officers began to arrive shortly after the emergency calls, along with paramedics and an air ambulance. Despite the best efforts of both our officers and medical staff, Victoria’s injuries were so severe she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Woodhall fled prior to police arrival and at 5.50pm, two officers were driving down Wombwell Lane in Barnsley when a car flashed its headlights at them. Woodhall got out of the car and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.”

DI Wood said that Woodhall used a ‘Gurkha-style machete knife’ to murder Victoria, and that “the violence she suffered was so extreme that she had multiple skull fractures, as well as significant injuries to her head, face, neck, arms, hands, shoulders and back.”