A paedophile who raped one girl and sexually assaulted two others has been jailed more than 50 years after the abuse began. Noel Brome-Hinds, 81, started abusing the victims in the early 1970s and continued until the early 1990s.
He was sentenced to 13 years in prison at Peterborough Crown Court on December 23, after being found guilty in November to 13 counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14; five counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16; and one count of raping a female aged 16 or over.
The offences came to light after the victims felt ready to share what had happened to them, as they wanted Brome-Hinds to be held accountable. One victim described how her first memory of being abused was from when she was a toddler, and it took place more than 50 times overall.
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She said she had struggled all her life as a result. Another victim told police she felt like she couldn’t tell anyone about the abuse or the fact she had been raped as she didn’t want to be a burden.
Brome-Hinds, of Wingfield in Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, had denied the offences. He described the allegations as “nasty”, “frustrating” and “total lies”.
DC Jessica Martin, who investigated, said: “I hope this outcome brings closure for the victims and their families, and allows them to move forward with their lives. Child abuse comes in many different forms and can affect anyone.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to help stop the abuse and tell someone, whether you’re a victim, friend or adult. We encourage all members of the public to be aware of adults who pay an unusual amount of attention to a child.
“Sharing any concerns, no matter how small, can make all the difference. This case also highlights that, no matter when it happened or is reported, we take reports of this nature extremely seriously and will always endeavour to do all we can to protect children and seek justice.”
Anyone who is concerned someone may have been convicted of a sex offence, and could be posing a risk to a child, can apply for disclosure information through Sarah’s Law.