A paedophile who raped a schoolgirl and threatened to murder her if she told anyone has been handed a 17-year extended prison sentence. Thomas Green, 28, subjected his victim to a horrific ordeal before making the chilling threat.
Bravery of victim leads to arrest
Despite the terrifying threat to her life, the courageous schoolgirl confided in her mother about the abuse. The police were immediately contacted, launching an investigation that would lead to Green's arrest. Green, of Albemarle Road, Cross Heath, initially denied the allegations but changed his plea on the day of his trial in November last year.
At Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to two charges of raping a child under the age of 16. The court heard the full details of his crimes and the subsequent threat designed to silence his young victim.
Extended sentence imposed by judge
Judge Graeme Smith sentenced Green to an extended jail term of 17 years. This is comprised of a 14-year custodial sentence followed by a three-year extended licence period. Green must serve at least two-thirds of the 14-year custodial element before the Parole Board can even consider his release.
In mitigation, defence barrister Anis Ali described Green as "relatively immature and troubled." He stated that his client's guilty plea had spared the victim the trauma of giving evidence at a trial. Ali told the court: "His expressions of remorse and regret are genuine. He recognises the real effect it had upon her. There is very real embarrassment and shame."
Judge brands offender 'dangerous'
However, Judge Smith firmly rejected the defence's submission that Green was not dangerous. The judge stated he accepted the defendant had shown genuine remorse but highlighted the findings of a pre-sentence report. The report concluded Green posed a "high risk of causing serious harm to children."
Judge Smith told the court: "A significant amount of work needs to be undertaken to reduce the risk. I conclude you meet the test for dangerousness." As a result, the judge imposed two lifelong orders on Green. He will be on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, imposing strict conditions on his behaviour upon any future release.
The case underscores the severe legal consequences for such predatory crimes and the critical importance of victims finding the strength to come forward, even under the most dire threats.
