THOMAS KELLY FROM OLDHAM AND WHITWORTH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Oldham and Whitworth, Thomas Kelly, a man with no prior criminal record, was sentenced to a total of three years and four months in prison for serious sexual offenses involving a young schoolgirl. The incident came to light after the victim, who had kept her ordeal hidden for some time, finally confided in her husband earlier this year, revealing the trauma she had endured.

Kelly, who was living in Whitworth at the time of the offenses, was convicted of four counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child. The court heard that he had confessed to his crimes, which had remained undisclosed until the victim found the courage to speak out. The victim’s silence persisted until May of this year, when she disclosed the abuse to her husband after consuming alcohol, feeling unable to cope with the emotional burden alone.

During the court proceedings at Burnley Crown Court, it was revealed that Kelly, who is now residing on Summer Street, Shaw, Oldham, had a moment of crisis following the revelation. Before attempting to take his own life, he sent a distressing text message to his partner, stating, “I’m a paedophile and I can’t live with myself. I am going to end it.” The court was also informed that Kelly, on his 60th birthday, was sentenced for his crimes, which included a period of incarceration and strict legal restrictions.

In a dramatic turn, Kelly was found in a car attempting to take his own life after the victim’s disclosure. When he was discovered, he reportedly told the person who found him, “You should have left me to die,” indicating his profound remorse and despair. The court also ordered Kelly to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, prohibiting him from working with children and imposing a sexual offences prevention order to prevent any future harm.

Prosecutor Katherine Pierpoint explained that the victim had not initially told anyone about the abuse, feeling helpless and believing there was nothing she could do. It was only after she had consumed alcohol and confided in her husband that the full extent of her suffering was revealed. During police questioning, Kelly admitted that he knew his actions were wrong but claimed that the girl had not complained at the time, which the court considered as part of the evidence leading to his conviction.