A 76-year-old pensioner who sexually abused two girls decades ago has been jailed for six years. Kenneth Goodman, of Greendale Drive, Radcliffe, was convicted after a trial in March 2026 of four counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14 and three counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14.
Investigation and Conviction
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) investigated Goodman after two victims came forward separately. One victim reported that Goodman coerced her into sexual activity and made inappropriate comments. The investigation uncovered a second victim who described being sexually abused by him. Goodman denied the offences following his arrest in 2019, but a jury found him guilty.
Victim Impact Statements
In court, one victim said: 'I have waited a very long time for this day. The sexual abuse you exposed me to will stay with me for the rest of my life. This is both the recollections of the acts and the subsequent impact they have taken on me. You took away so much. I have lived with this every day, whilst presuming, rightly or wrongly, that you were enjoying your life. Free from the consequences of the sexual acts you committed on a child. The sentence determined by the court today, will hopefully, finally, give me some kind of justice and closure.'
Another victim stated: 'When you took my innocence, you took my spark. The spark that’s in all children which, when properly nurtured, becomes a light that leads them through life, enabling them to find love and to be loved. Enabling them to experience pure, unadulterated happiness. I have never experienced any of those things. But I’m here now taking back my spark, hoping it’s not too late for me to discover how to be truly happy.'
Police Response
Detective Sergeant Jonathan McGregor from GMP's Serious Crime Division said: 'This has been an ongoing investigation and the victims have shown incredible strength and patience throughout the process. I would firstly like to express my gratitude to them, as their support during this investigation has led to the conviction and sentencing of Goodman. This was an awful case about abuse of power. Goodman took advantage of these women and they have carried this with them since. I hope this sentence can now provide them with a sense of comfort and reassurance that no matter how long it has been, we will always take reports of this nature seriously, and we will do everything we can to ensure perpetrators see justice.'
Goodman will also be placed on the sex offender's register for life. GMP encourages anyone with information about sexual offences to contact them via 101 or the Live Chat function on their website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
