A convicted child rapist, who has the word 'survivor' tattooed on his face, has been sentenced to 14 years behind bars for a horrific attack on a schoolgirl.
Details of the Attack and Investigation
Thomas Green, aged 28 and from Newcastle-under-Lyme, forced himself on the young victim before threatening to kill her if she revealed the assault. The court heard that police were only alerted after the brave girl confided in her mother about what had happened.
In January, the victim formally disclosed that she had been raped by Green during the summer of 2024. At Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Green pleaded guilty to a series of serious charges. These included two counts of raping a child under 16, one count of sexual activity with a child under 16, and breaching a restraining order.
Sentencing and Official Statements
The judge presiding over the case described Green as 'especially dangerous'. As part of his sentence, he must serve an additional three years on extended licence after his release from prison. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Katy Jones, who worked on the case, commended the victim's courage. 'I am pleased that we've been able to secure this outcome against a sex offender who committed crimes against a child in our community,' she said.
'The victim has shown enormous strength in reporting what Green did. I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual offences to report it to us. You will be listened to and supported by specially trained officers, who will do everything in their power to see that justice is done,' DC Jones added.
Defence and Future Prospects
Defending Green, Anis Ali told the court that the paedophile was 'relatively immature and troubled'. He claimed Green's expressions of remorse and regret were genuine and that he recognised the real effect his crimes had on the victim.
'There is very real embarrassment and shame,' Mr Ali stated. He also submitted that Green's prospects for rehabilitation were 'relatively positive' and argued 'there is nothing to indicate in my submission he is dangerous'. This assessment was starkly contradicted by the judge's own characterisation of the offender.
