NUNTHORPE MAN LEONARD GODDARD SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN TEESSIDE

In a case that has spanned nearly five decades, Leonard Goddard, a retired airman from Nunthorpe, has been finally held accountable for the sexual abuse of a young child. The disturbing revelations came to light after the victim, whose identity remains protected, disclosed the abuse last year, prompting a police investigation that uncovered the long-hidden trauma.

Goddard, now 82 years old, was stationed at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire during the 1960s when the abuse took place. During court proceedings at Teesside Crown Court, prosecutor Christopher Dunn detailed how the victim was manipulated and coerced by Goddard, who at the time told the child, “Don’t tell anyone about this... it’s our little secret.”

Goddard’s confession to the police revealed a sense of remorse, as he admitted, “I’m a miserable bugger, and what I did was very wrong.” The court heard that he pleaded guilty to six charges of indecent assault, which resulted in a 21-month prison sentence that was suspended for two years. The judge presiding over the case, Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, explained that immediate imprisonment was not deemed appropriate given Goddard’s current health condition.

Judge Bourne-Arton emphasized that the defendant’s health was a significant factor in his decision. Goddard, who resides at Cookgate in Nunthorpe, is severely ill and requires around-the-clock care. He is currently living in a care home, dependent on a wheelchair and walking frame for mobility. The court was informed that he suffers from multiple serious health issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, diabetes, and hypertension.

The judge described the abuse as “dreadful,” noting that it occurred while Goddard was stationed at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire. Despite the heinous nature of his actions, Judge Bourne-Arton acknowledged that Goddard had moved on with his life, serving his country and living what he described as a “good life.” However, he also recognized the lasting impact on the victim, who has struggled to find peace and has been burdened by the “cloud of what happened” during childhood.

The victim’s statement conveyed the profound and ongoing damage caused by the abuse, highlighting its devastating effect on their personal life and relationships. The court also heard from Robert Mochrie, who represented Goddard in mitigation. Mochrie described Goddard as a man of otherwise good character but admitted that the abuse was “grotesque.” He pointed out that no other victims have come forward or been identified since the initial revelations, offering some, albeit limited, reassurance that the abuse may have been an isolated incident.

In conclusion, the court’s decision reflected a balance between justice and compassion, taking into account Goddard’s age, health, and the nature of his crimes. The case serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting scars that childhood abuse can leave, even decades after the events occurred.