A paedophile “preyed on young girls” before sexually assaulting them, including one victim who was just four years old.
Thomas Noone, 33, was caught after the girl’s grandfather went to police to report what had happened. At Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday (November 18), Noone, of Stretford, was jailed for ten-and-a-half years.
He was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault by penetration against a minor and one count of sexual assault against an adult.
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An investigation was launched in 2020 after the grandfather of one victim, who police say was aged four to five at the time, contacted police about “non-recent sexual abuse” that happened at an address in Greater Manchester in 2010.
A second victim then came forward and told police that she too had been sexually assaulted by Noone. When interviewed by detectives, Noone denied sexually assaulting both victims. During trial, he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, but was later found guilty by a jury.
In 2016, Noone was previously found guilty of sexually assaulting a female under 13. He was jailed for three years and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Detective Sergeant Louise Haslam, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “The acts Mr Noone committed here are nothing short of depraved. He preyed on young girls and exploited their vulnerability due to their age and never took responsibility for his actions, which highlights even more how courageous the victims were to come forward.
“What they have been through is something no-one should ever experience, and the fact they have remained so strong throughout this investigation and court process should be commended.
“As a force we are here to always listen to victims and give them a voice when they are ready. We have a committed team of detectives and staff who are focused on helping these young women so they can rebuild their lives.
“Noone will now spend more time behind bars and as a result the streets are a safer place without him. I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to please contact us when you are ready, so that we can listen to you and make sure that you are protected at the earliest opportunity.”
Support available
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, you can report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available. You can contact GMP on 101, on the force’s website, or 999 in an emergency.
– Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
– Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
– Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
