76-YEAR-OLD MAN JAILED FOLLOWING INVESTIGATION INTO SEXUAL ABUSE AGAINST TWO CHILDREN
A 76-year-old man has been sentenced after an investigation uncovered multiple reports of sexual abuse against two women spanning over four decades.Kenneth Goodman, born on November 18, 1949, and residing on Greendale Drive in Radcliffe, was convicted of four counts of indecent assault involving a girl under 14 and three counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14.
The convictions followed the courageous disclosures of two women who revealed the abuse they suffered at Goodman’s hands.
He has been sentenced to six years in prison and will be on the sex offenders register for life.
At the time of the abuse, both victims were teenagers and knew Goodman through a professional relationship.
The first victim, referred to as Woman A, contacted police in 2018 to report her experiences.
This led to the discovery of a second victim, Woman B, who confirmed she had been involved in a sexual relationship with Goodman during her teenage years.
Woman A described multiple instances of abuse, where Goodman made inappropriate remarks and coerced her into sexual acts during their private encounters.
Woman B was groomed over approximately three years by Goodman, who manipulated her from age 12 into a sexual relationship.
Goodman told her that once she turned 13, they could proceed further in their intimacy.
The abuse persisted until she was around 15.
Goodman denied the allegations during his 2019 arrest, but a jury convicted him earlier this year in a trial held in March.
Both women addressed the court after sentencing, sharing emotional statements.
Woman A expressed long-standing pain and the lasting impact of the abuse, emphasizing her desire for justice and closure.
Woman B spoke of how Goodman robbed her of her innocence and the joy that should come with it, expressing hope to reclaim her happiness.
Detective Sergeant Jonathan McGregor from the Serious Crime Division acknowledged the strength and patience of the victims throughout the lengthy investigation.
He highlighted the importance of taking such reports seriously, regardless of how much time has passed, and reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring justice for perpetrators involved in abuse of power.