KENNETH KNOWLES SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF 13-YEAR-OLD IN SALFORD'S IRLAM NEIGHBORHOOD

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Salford, Kenneth Knowles, a 29-year-old man from Kitchener Avenue, Cadishead, has been convicted and sentenced for the heinous crime of raping a 13-year-old girl within her own home. The incident took place in the early hours of October 1, 2011, in the nearby area of Irlam, a suburb of Salford, where Knowles unlawfully entered the victim's residence without her family's knowledge.

According to reports, Knowles gained access to the girl's house earlier in the evening, possibly by sneaking in unnoticed. Once inside, he made his way to the living area and settled onto the sofa, seemingly undetected. Later that night, he moved into the girl’s bedroom, where he committed the assault while she was sleeping. The attack was only discovered when the girl was awakened in the middle of the night, at which point Knowles had already left the scene.

Following a thorough investigation by Greater Manchester Police's Serious Sexual Offences Unit, Knowles was brought to trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. During the proceedings, he refused to admit guilt, which made the case more challenging for prosecutors. Despite his denial, the evidence presented was compelling enough to secure a conviction.

Judge handed down a sentence of 13 years in prison to Kenneth Knowles, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the impact on the young victim. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, a measure aimed at protecting the community from potential future offenses.

Detective Constable Nicola Wood, who was involved in the case from GMP’s serious sexual offences unit, expressed her thoughts on the conviction. She highlighted the vulnerability of the young girl, noting, “A girl of just 13 years old was sleeping soundly in her bed at home when Knowles entered her address without her knowledge and raped her. This appalling crime and the impact it has had on the victim is incomprehensible to contemplate.”

She also praised the victim’s bravery, stating, “Knowles refused to admit his guilt, so I must credit her unwavering bravery in supporting the prosecution that has today seen a dangerous sex offender jailed.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat sexual offenses within communities like Salford and Irlam.