ANTHONY GOODE FROM KIRBY MUXLOE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLBOY IN LEICESTER

In December 2013, a heartbreaking case unfolded at Leicester Crown Court involving the sexual abuse of a young schoolboy by Anthony Goode, a man residing on Main Street in Kirby Muxloe. The victim, a boy in his early teens, was manipulated and exploited by Goode, who initially appeared to be a friendly acquaintance but ultimately subjected the boy to a series of disturbing sexual acts.

Goode, aged 54, was found guilty of 22 separate offences, including meeting a child following sexual grooming, engaging in sexual assault, causing a child to participate in sexual activities, encouraging the boy to watch a sexual act, and producing indecent photographs. The evidence against him was substantial, with police discovering images on his camera that had been deleted but later recovered during a detailed analysis. These images included indecent photographs of both Goode and the young victim, highlighting the severity of his misconduct.

The case came to light after the boy’s parents contacted law enforcement authorities. They were deeply distressed when their son confided in them about the abuse, prompting an immediate police investigation. Prosecutor Sarah Gaunt detailed the case in court, emphasizing the betrayal of trust and the profound impact on the young victim. She explained that the boy felt “really sad” during the abuse, and that Goode, aware of the boy’s distress, continued his inappropriate actions.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Michael Pert QC addressed the court, condemning Goode’s actions. He stated, “The victim is plainly in a mess now and that’s because of what you did to him. You seduced a young lad who was on the cusp of discovering who he was, what he was, and learning about sex. He was, at your hands, subjected to sexual abuse, and it’s no surprise to me or anyone else that he’s in the state he’s in.” The judge further remarked on how Goode exploited his adult status and the boy’s naivety to carry out his misconduct, warning that only time would reveal the extent of the victim’s recovery.

Goode initially denied any wrongdoing when arrested, but the police investigation revealed the truth. His home was searched, and the analysis of his camera uncovered the deleted images. During police interviews, Goode admitted to the offences, acknowledging the age difference and expressing remorse, stating, “It wasn’t planned, it just happened.”

The court heard that the young victim was visibly upset and crying during the abuse, which Goode observed. Prosecutor Gaunt highlighted this emotional distress as evidence of the trauma inflicted. In mitigation, Jacqui Callan described Goode as “totally ashamed” and expressed his desire to understand his actions and participate in rehabilitation programs. She emphasized that his guilty pleas were the only mitigating factor, and he accepted responsibility without making excuses.

Ultimately, the court sentenced Anthony Goode to six years and eight months in prison, a sentence that was met with tears from the victim’s mother outside the court. She expressed her dissatisfaction, stating, “It’s not long enough a sentence for what he put my son through.” The case underscores the devastating impact of grooming and sexual abuse on young victims and highlights the importance of justice and accountability in such cases.