ANTHONY GOODEN JAILED IN WOLVERHAMPTON FOR SIX YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE

In July 2014, Anthony Gooden, a 50-year-old man from Wolverhampton, was sentenced to over six years in prison for the sexual abuse and rape of a child. Over a three-year period, Gooden targeted a girl as young as 12, committing multiple offenses. His crimes only came to light when the victim, now an adult, voluntarily visited Wolverhampton Central Police Station to report what had happened.

During the hearing, it was revealed that the victim had initially not reported the abuse because she felt no one believed her. However, her relatives confronted Gooden, prompting him to admit to two attacks. This confession motivated the victim to finally speak to law enforcement.

Gooden, who resides in Hardie Court, Lanesfield, Wolverhampton, was arrested and charged with several sexual offenses related to his assaults. Prosecutor Mr. Simon Philips explained, "It was a matter that came to light on June 18, 2013, when she went to the police station. She told officers that she had been abused by Gooden but hadn’t said anything because friends and family didn’t believe her."

Defence lawyer Miss Kate Thomas described Gooden as a devout church-goer who lost his specialized computer programming job in 2008 due to redundancy. Despite this, his deception was uncovered when the victim persisted with her allegations. Confronted by her family, Gooden reportedly broke down and confessed to two attacks.

Miss Thomas emphasized, "The defendant has struggled to comprehend the impact of his offending on his victim. It is a tragedy that, at 50 and with no previous convictions, he now faces a lengthy prison sentence."

Gooden pleaded guilty to charges including penetration of a child under 13, rape of a child, and two counts of sexual assault. The court sentenced him to six years and eight months behind bars. Additionally, he is to be registered as a sex offender for life and is prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults.

As he was led away, Gooden sat with his head bowed and fiddled with his thumbs. Judge Robin Onions concluded the sentencing by stating, "I want to make it clear that the victim bears no responsibility for these offences. It is a tragedy that no one believed her for so long."