THOMAS GREENEY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON CHILD IN HALLIWELL NEIGHBORHOOD, BOLTON

In August 2017, a disturbing case unfolded at Bolton Crown Court involving Thomas Greeney, a 25-year-old man from Avenue Street, Halliwell. Greeney was found guilty by a jury of a serious sexual assault involving a six-year-old girl, an incident that shocked the local community and drew significant attention from law enforcement authorities.

According to court proceedings, Greeney had attended a social gathering in the Bolton area on September 24 of the previous year. During the event, he consumed alcohol, including wine, and also took a quantity of cocaine. Later that night, Greeney was found sleeping downstairs at the residence where the party was held. At some point during the night, he made his way upstairs to the child's bedroom, where the young girl was peacefully sleeping.

It was during this time that Greeney climbed into the child's bed and proceeded to pull down her leggings. The court heard that the girl was disturbed by this act, and she instinctively pulled her clothing back up. Greeney then repeated the inappropriate action, an act that was witnessed and reported by the child the following morning. The young girl confided in her parents about what had happened, which led to the incident being reported to the police and an investigation into Greeney's conduct.

Greeney, who denied ever entering the child's bedroom or committing the assault, maintained his innocence throughout the trial. His defense attorney, Adam Lodge, argued that the motivations behind Greeney's actions were uncertain and that the circumstances of the incident were unusual. Lodge stated, “The defendant does not accept that the incident took place. He has indicated a willingness to work with the probation service. The circumstances are so unusual that your honour may question the defendant’s particular motivation on the night in question.”

Despite these claims, Judge Timothy Stead was unequivocal in his assessment. He stated, “I think your motivation was sexual. You did repeat it.” The judge emphasized that the evidence pointed to a sexual motive and that Greeney's denial was not credible.

On Friday, Greeney was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of 10 years. The judge initially considered suspending the sentence but ultimately decided against it due to Greeney’s continued denial of the offense. Judge Stead remarked, “It is the case that you continue to deny that you are in the wrong. You deny that you went into that child’s bedroom at all. I certify that you did go into that room. You committed a sexual offence against a sleeping six-year-old child.”

Furthermore, Greeney was issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits him from contacting the victim or engaging in any behavior that could harm her. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Halliwell and underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from such heinous acts.