Radcliffe man jailed for sexually abusing two young girls

Kenneth Goodman, of Greendale Drive in Radcliffe, was convicted earlier this year following an investigation into reports of historical abuse.

He was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14 and three counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14.

Goodman denied the offences, but a jury convicted him following a trial in March.

Both victims came forward in adulthood.

The first, referred to as Woman A, reported the abuse to police in 2018.

This led officers to a second survivor, Woman B, who disclosed that she too had suffered abuse at Goodman’s hands.

In court, both women shared powerful statements about the long-term impact of his actions.

Woman A said: “I have waited a very long time for this day.

“The sexual abuse you exposed me to will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“This is both the recollections of the acts and the subsequent impact they have taken on me.

“You took away so much.

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“I have lived with this every day, whilst presuming, rightly or wrongly, that you were enjoying your life.

“Free from the consequences of the sexual acts you committed on a child.

“The sentence determined by the court today will hopefully, finally, give me some kind of justice and closure.”

Woman B also spoke of the lasting effect the abuse has had on her life.

She said: “When you took my innocence, you took my spark.

“The spark that’s in all children which, when properly nurtured, becomes a light that leads them through life, enabling them to find love and to be loved.

“Enabling them to experience pure, unadulterated happiness.

“I have never experienced any of those things.

“But I’m here now taking back my spark, hoping it’s not too late for me to discover how to be truly happy.”

Police said Goodman had abused the trust placed in him by the young girls, both of whom knew him in a professional capacity.

Woman A was repeatedly abused and coerced into sexual activity when alone with Goodman.

Woman B was groomed over a period of around three years, beginning at the age of 12.

Goodman manipulated her into a sexual relationship, telling her that because she had turned 13, they could become more intimate.

The abuse continued until she was about 15 years old.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan McGregor from the Serious Crime Division praised the bravery of both women.

He said: “This has been an ongoing investigation and the victims have shown incredible strength and patience throughout the process.

“I would firstly like to express my gratitude to them, as their support during this investigation has led to the conviction and sentencing of Goodman.

“This was an awful case about abuse of power.

“Goodman took advantage of these women from such a young age, and they have carried this with them since.

“I hope this sentence can now provide them with a sense of comfort and reassurance that no matter how long it has been, we will always take reports of this nature seriously, and we will do everything we can to ensure perpetrators see justice.”

Goodman will be placed on the sex offenders register for life.