LEICESTER PENSIONER TERRY NOTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN LEICESTER
In March 2019, a disturbing case emerged from Leicester involving a pensioner named Terry Noton, who was found guilty of sexually abusing a young girl.The incident, which took place at a premises in Leicester, involved a series of inappropriate and illegal acts committed by Noton against a girl under the age of 13.
Despite his insistence on innocence, a jury convicted him on three counts of sexual assault, revealing a pattern of grooming and exploitation.
According to court proceedings, Noton, aged 73 at the time, engaged in grooming the young girl, who was between 10 and 11 years old.
During this period, he manipulated her with promises of secrecy, telling her, “It’s our little secret,” as he carried out the abusive acts.
The court was told that the abuse involved Noton touching the girl inappropriately, including tickling or scratching her back, lifting her top, and sometimes going under her waistband with his fingers to touch her bottom.
The most serious incident occurred when the girl was left alone with Noton, during which he allegedly flipped her over and placed his hand under her clothing onto her intimate area.
Judge Martin Hurst described Noton’s actions as those of a “silent stranger in the corner of the room,” emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved in the offences.
He highlighted that the jury’s majority verdict—10 to 2—convicted Noton of three counts of sexual assault.
The judge pointed out that the offences involved a breach of trust, especially in the most serious case where the girl was left alone with him.
The court noted that Noton’s conduct included inappropriate touching, such as tickling and scratching, and touching her intimate area while she was vulnerable.
Victoria Rose, the prosecutor, explained that Noton’s misconduct was preceded by flattery and compliments directed at the young girl.
After the indecent touching, he told her, “It’s our little secret,” further emphasizing the manipulative nature of his actions.
During the sentencing hearing, Noton’s defense attorney, Kathryn Hirst, highlighted his previously good character and argued that he had erred after a lifetime of hard work and retirement.
She requested leniency, but the court was firm in its judgment.
Judge Hurst sentenced Noton to three and a half years in prison.
Additionally, he imposed an indefinite restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim and a sexual harm prevention order.
Upon release, Noton will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
The court also acquitted him of two other allegations involving a second schoolgirl, to which he had pleaded not guilty.
The case underscores the serious breach of trust and the lasting impact of such abuse, with the court emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children from predators like Noton in Leicester.
