A FORMER Bradford headteacher who successfully fought for a change in the law to extend the six-year time limit allowing victims of serious assaults to claim for damages has died aged 92.
Shirley Woodman was attacked and sexually assaulted as she walked through Roundhay Park in Leeds in 1988.
Iorworth Hoare, a serial rapist, was jailed for life. But in 2004, while on day release from prison, Hoare bought a National Lottery ticket which netted him a £7m jackpot.
Shirley was horrified and frightened and sued Hoare for damages. But he used the law of limitations - putting a six-year limit on claims for compensation - to fight her claim.
Against the odds, mother-of-three - known only as ‘Mrs A’ at the time - spent four years pursuing her case through the courts, to the House of Lords. In 2008, she won a groundbreaking ruling from the Law Lords that, in cases of serious assault, courts would have the discretion to extend that limit.
She was later awarded compensation in an out-of-court settlement with Hoare. Shirley donated her compensation to charity.
Her efforts paved the way for other victims of such crimes to claim damages, such as victims in the Jimmy Savile case. “That would not have been possible without Mum,” says her daughter Shelley Wolfson. “She made history and left a legacy.”
Shirley waived her anonymity when she proudly received an MBE at Buckingham Palace in 2012. She said at the time that despite her honour being for services to the community in Yorkshire, the Queen had known her story.
The brave mum was headteacher at Netherlands Avenue, Low Moor, for 17 years and, aged 38, the youngest headteacher at the time. “She really enjoyed her teaching career,” says Shelley.
Shirley will be much missed by Shelley, 65, and siblings Linton, 70, and Ashley, 60, as well as her four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
She loved being a grandma. “She adored her grandchildren,” said Shelley. “They are grown up now and one granddaughter lives in Australia. She has been to visit her many times. I last took her in 2016-17, with my partner Jacky.”Shirley also loved hill walking.
“She was inspirational and magnificent - a one-off. The cards we have received have been unbelievable - one describes her as ‘courageous, intelligent and caring - Shirley left a deep impression,’” says Shelley.
In Shirley’s final months Shelley moved in with her and cared for her until her passing. “It was an absolute privilege to care for such a wonderful mum and human being. I’d do it all again if I could but of course that’s not going to happen. Instead I’ll keep her in my heart until we meet again.
“Mum died peacefully with her children at her bedside. We had a little party, myself, Linton and Ashley and the room was filled with laughter. She would’ve been chuffed to bits because hearing is the last sense to go so she will have known. We gave her a little sherry on a sponge, just enough to wet her lips - she loved a drop of sherry. “
*Shirley’s funeral is on Friday February 11 at 10.45am at Lawnswood Crematorium, Otley Rd, Adel, Leeds LS16 6AH. Donations to St Gemma’s Hospice, Leeds and Parkinson’s UK. Those attending are being asked to wear bright clothes only.
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