A 76-year-old man has been sentenced following an investigation into a number of sexual abuse reports against two victims from over 40 years ago.

Kenneth Goodman (18/11/1949) of Greendale Drive, Radcliffe, 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 and disclosed to police the abuse they endured at the hands of Goodman. He will serve six years in prison and he will be placed on the sex offender’s register for life.

Both victims were in their early teenage years at the time of the abuse and knew Goodman in a professional capacity.

The first survivor (Woman A) approached our officers in 2018 to report the abuse Goodman subjected her to. This investigation then led us to identifying a second survivor (Woman B), who confirmed she had been in a sexual relationship with Goodman as a teenager.

Woman A was subjected to abuse on numerous occasions when she was around Goodman, and he made inappropriate comments to her and coerced her into sexual activity when they were alone together.

Woman B was groomed over a period of around three years by Goodman, who manipulated her at the age of 12 into being in a relationship with him and engaging in sexual activity. Goodman told the victim that as she had turned 13, they could “go further with their intimacy”. This abuse continued until around the time the victim turned 15.

Following his arrest in 2019, Goodman denied the offences, but a jury found him guilty at a trial in March earlier this year.

Both women shared a statement at court following sentencing:

Woman A: “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.

You took away so much. I have lived with this every day, whilst presuming, rightly or wrongly, that you were enjoying your life. Free from the consequences of the sexual acts you committed on a child.

“The sentence determined by the court today, will hopefully, finally, give me some kind of justice and closure.”

Woman B: “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.

“Enabling them to experience pure, unadulterated happiness. I have never experienced any of those things. But I’m here now taking back my spark, hoping it’s not too late for me to discover how to be truly happy.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan McGregor from our Serious Crime Division said: “This has been an ongoing investigation and the victims have shown incredible strength and patience throughout the process.

“I would firstly like to express my gratitude to them, as their support during this investigation has led to the conviction and sentencing of Goodman.

“This was an awful case about abuse of power. Goodman took advantage of these women from such a young age, and they have carried this with them since.

“I hope this sentence can now provide them with a sense of comfort and reassurance that no matter how long it has been, we will always take reports of this nature seriously, and we will do everything we can to ensure perpetrators see justice.

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Remember – if in doubt, report it.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

– Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated 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 help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

– 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.