Man Jailed for 11 Years for Sex Offences Spanning 1998-2003

Keith Noble, 53, of Flint Street, Grays, was sentenced to 11 years and eight months in prison at Basildon Crown Court on October 24, 2016. He pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault, adding to previous admissions of attempted rape and indecent assault made in June of that year.

The offences involved two female victims who were minors at the time they were committed. Noble's history with law enforcement began in 2002 when he was arrested for a sexual offense. However, due to insufficient evidence, no charges were pursued at that time.

In 2014, a new allegation surfaced, accusing Noble of accessing indecent images of children. This led to his arrest and subsequent release on bail while investigations progressed. In October 2015, he admitted to 14 charges related to making, possessing, and distributing indecent images of children, along with possessing extreme pornographic images and recording a person engaged in a private act.

The investigation uncovered evidence of covert filming and image distribution. The identification of the victim led to the disclosure of additional offenses committed by Noble. This prompted authorities to reconnect with the victim from the 2002 allegation, who agreed to cooperate again.

On February 5, 2016, Noble faced new charges of attempted rape and four counts of indecent assault. At the October 24 hearing, he was sentenced for all 19 offenses, receiving a 12-month license period to be served upon release.

Pc James Smith from Harlow CID commented on the case, stating, "I am pleased Noble has admitted he is guilty to all of the charges brought against him and that the victim who contacted us in 2002 has finally been able to see justice done for the offences he committed against her." He emphasized that no matter the time elapsed, new evidence can bring justice to victims of sexual offenses.

Smith urged anyone who has been the victim of a sex offense, regardless of how long ago it occurred, to come forward and report it to the police, assuring them of support and the potential for justice.