June 2008 Pervert may never be free A SEX offender who abused a 13-year-old girl has been told he could spend the rest of his life in jail. Arthur Greatorex was caught after a neighbour became suspicious of his activities with the girl and filmed him with her in a street and a garden. At Derby Crown Court yesterday, Greatorex admitted the sexual touching of a girl under 16 and causing her to engage in sexual activity on May 28 last year. Dominic Shelley, prosecuting, told the court the offences came to light when Greatorex’s neighbour became concerned about activity across from his home in Alfreton. He told the court he saw a man “embracing and kissing a young girl”. Mr Shelley said: “The witness was so troubled, he recorded it on his mobile phone.” Police were then alerted and Greatorex was arrested. “He told the girl he had £19m in the bank and they would get a house to live together,” Mr Shelley said. “The pair kissed and he was behind her, kissing her neck. “There was then more sexual contact. “The girl later said she was scared and did not want to say no to him because she was not aware how he would react,” added Mr Shelley. When interviewed by police, he admitted the offence. Judge Andrew Hamilton said the matter might have remained undetected without the efforts of the neighbour. He told 45-year-old Greatorex: “The probation officers say you pose a high risk of significant harm to young children. I entirely agree. “It may well be that you will remain in custody for the rest of your life.” The judge imposed a minimum jail term of four years after describing Greatorex as a danger and said that the sentence was needed for the protection of the public. After that time, the parole board will decide whether or not he is safe to be freed. Greatorex of Haddon Close, Alfreton, was put on the sex offenders’ register for life. He also pleaded guilty to breaching an earlier order which barred him from contacting the girl. Grace Hale, for Greatorex, said he deserved credit for admitting the offences and saving the girl from having to give evidence. She said: “He knows it was not right to go to the alleyway with this girl. “Although he is a 45-year-old man, he looks at least 20 years older due to long-standing ill-health. “He has the disability of a cleft palate which makes it almost impossible to understand when you speak to him. “It will be extremely difficult for him to survive in prison.”