PETER NOBLE SHOCKS SHERBURN-IN-ELMET AND SELBY WITH PREDATORY CRIMES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Sherburn-in-Elmet and Selby, Peter Noble, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, has been convicted of heinous crimes involving a young girl. Noble, aged 40, was found guilty of abusing a girl aged between seven and ten over a period of approximately one year, exploiting his relationship with her mother to carry out his predatory acts.

The case came to light after the young girl confided in her family about the abuse she endured at the hands of Noble, who had previously served time for sex crimes involving three other girls aged 12 and 14. Despite his prior convictions, Noble attempted to deceive authorities by falsely claiming he was residing in Halifax, a city far from his actual location. Recorder Ben Nolan QC highlighted that Noble's deception was part of a manipulative and predatory pattern, aimed at avoiding detection and continuing his abusive behavior.

Following his release from prison, Noble moved to Selby, where he exploited his friendship with the girl’s mother to gain access to the child. Over the course of about a year, he repeatedly assaulted her, actions that have now resulted in a lengthy prison sentence. It was only years later, after the girl disclosed the abuse, that detectives uncovered Noble’s true address, revealing his presence in the North Yorkshire area.

At York Crown Court, Noble faced multiple charges, including three counts of indecent assault and one of sexual activity in the presence of a child. Despite denying these charges, a jury found him guilty last month. The court sentenced him to five years in prison, with an additional four years of supervised release following his incarceration. Furthermore, Noble was permanently barred from any unsupervised contact with children, from working with them, living with them, or allowing children into his home. His registration as a sex offender has been extended indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

During the proceedings, Taryn Turner, representing the prosecution, described the attacks in Selby as “opportunistic,” noting that Noble led an “industrious” life running his own business. Anthony Dunne of the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized that Noble had registered his mother’s address in Halifax as his own for four years, even though he was actually residing in Selby during that period. This deception was part of his broader pattern of manipulative behavior aimed at evading detection and continuing his predatory conduct.

Judge Nolan expressed grave concern over the long-term impact of Noble’s actions on his young victim, emphasizing that such abuse can have devastating and lasting effects on a child's health and happiness. He condemned Noble’s behavior as both manipulative and predatory, underscoring the seriousness of the crimes committed in the communities of Sherburn-in-Elmet and Selby, and reaffirmed the court’s commitment to protecting children from such offenders.