NOEL GREEN ACCRINGTON PERVERT SPARED JAIL DESPITE GROPING TEENAGE GIRLS
In April 2019, a disturbing case unfolded in Accrington involving Noel Green, a 33-year-old man whose actions towards two teenage girls have shocked the local community.Green, residing at St Ledger Court in Accrington, was accused of sexually assaulting two girls aged 14 and 16, whom he knew through their families.
Despite vehemently denying the allegations, Green was found guilty by a jury at Preston Crown Court of two counts of sexual assault.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Green had visited the girls' home on multiple occasions.
The court heard that on these visits, Green, who was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine at the time, forcibly engaged in inappropriate conduct.
The victims, deeply affected by the incidents, shared their emotional distress and the profound impact it has had on their lives.
The older girl, who Green had groped under her clothing, provided a heartbreaking victim impact statement.
She explained, “Since it happened I have lost more and more confidence.
I have always been quiet but now I don’t like going out at all.
I’d rather stay in on my own.” Her words underscored the lasting damage inflicted by Green’s actions.
The younger girl, who Green attempted to kiss, also expressed her feelings of fear and anxiety.
She stated, “I don’t like going out with my mates any more.
They all go out in Accrington but I don’t like to in case I see him.” The trauma caused by Green’s assault has led both girls’ families to make significant life changes.
They had been planning to move house, but after the attack, they decided to leave Accrington altogether to escape the threat Green posed.
One of the girls, who is preparing for her exams, lamented the disruption to her education.
She said, “We have lessons after school to get ready for our exams but I can’t go to them because I have to get the bus, and my education is slipping because of him.” Green’s behavior was further condemned by the court, especially considering his state during the offenses.
It was noted that he had been drinking and taking cocaine when he committed the assaults.
Following his conviction, Green took steps to address his substance abuse issues by referring himself to drug and alcohol services.
A probation officer assessed him as a low risk of reoffending.
Judge Simon Medland QC, presiding over the case, delivered the sentence.
He emphasized the vulnerability of teenage girls to such misconduct, especially when the perpetrator is under the influence of substances.
The judge remarked, “In my view young women in their teenage years are particularly sensitive to this sort of groping in which you indulged yourself when you were under the influence of drink and drugs.” Although it is uncommon for a court to impose a suspended sentence in cases of sexual assault where the defendant denies guilt, Green’s prior time spent in custody—two and a half months—was taken into account.
Consequently, he was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, with an additional 18 months concurrent, suspended for 18 months.
Green was also ordered to complete 50 days of rehabilitation activities and was issued a 10-year sexual harm prevention order to restrict his future conduct.
This case highlights the ongoing issues of substance abuse and sexual misconduct in Accrington, and the community’s concern over the safety of its young residents.
