76-year-old man jailed for historic sexual abuse

A 76-year-old man, Kenneth Goodman (18/11/1949), of Greendale Drive, Radcliffe, has been jailed for historic sexual abuse. Goodman was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14 years and three counts of gross indecency with a girl under the age of 14 after two brave women came forward to disclose their experiences.

Both victims were in their early teenage years when they knew Goodman in a professional capacity. The first survivor, Woman A, reported the abuse to Greater Manchester Police in 2018. This led to the identification of a second survivor, Woman B, who confirmed her relationship with Goodman and the sexual abuse she endured.

Woman A was subjected to abuse on multiple occasions, with Goodman making inappropriate comments and coercing her into sexual activity when they were alone together. Woman B was groomed over three years by Goodman, who manipulated her at age 12 into a sexual relationship that continued until she turned 15.

Following his arrest in 2019, Goodman denied the offences, but a jury found him guilty at a trial in March this year. He will serve six years in prison and be placed on the sex offender's register for life.

Both women shared statements at court following sentencing:

"I have waited a very long time for this day. The sexual abuse you exposed me to will stay with me for the rest of my life. This is both the recollections of the acts and the subsequent impact they have taken on me."

"When you took my innocence, you took my spark. The spark that’s in all children which, when properly nurtured, becomes a light that leads them through life, enabling them to find love and to be loved."

Detective Sergeant Jonathan McGregor from Greater Manchester Police's Serious Crime Division said: "This has been an ongoing investigation and the victims have shown incredible strength and patience throughout. I would like to express my gratitude to them for their support during this process. This was an awful case about abuse of power, and we will always take reports of this nature seriously."

Greater Manchester Police encourages anyone with information to come forward by contacting 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website at www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For support, Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester offers comprehensive services, including forensic medical examinations and counselling. Call 0161 276 6515 for assistance. Greater Manchester Rape Crisis provides confidential support to women over 18 who have experienced rape or sexual abuse. Contact them on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk. Survivors Manchester offers specialist support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182 for help.

Remember – if in doubt, report it.