A 28-year-old man from Cross Heath has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to the rape of a child under 16 and threatening to kill his victim if she disclosed the abuse.
Thomas Green, residing on Albemarle Road, initially denied the allegations but changed his plea on the day of the trial in November. The victim, a schoolgirl, bravely confided in her mother about the abuse, leading to police involvement and ultimately Green’s conviction.
The 17-year sentence comprises 14 years in custody and a 3-year extended licence period. Green must serve two-thirds of the custodial term before being eligible for release.
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During sentencing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Green’s defense lawyer described him as “relatively immature and troubled,” highlighting his remorse and the fact that his guilty plea spared the victim from the trauma of testifying.
However, Judge Graeme Smith emphasized that despite Green’s remorse, he poses a high risk of serious harm to children. Green was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The judge stated, “A significant amount of work needs to be undertaken to reduce the risk,” confirming that Green meets the criteria for dangerousness.