'I can't understand why... he's taken away their childhood'

The relative of a child abused by a 'depraved' paedophile has described his sickening actions as 'unforgiveable'. Thomas Noone, 33, 'preyed on young girls', police said.

He was jailed for 10-and-a-half years on Monday (November 18) after being found guilty of two counts of sexual assault by penetration against a minor; and one count of sexual assault against an adult.

Noone, from Stretford, was caught after the relative of one victim went to the police. A second victim then came forward and told police she too had been sexually assaulted.

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Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, the relative said the child was 'having nightmares, adding: "I was angry and upset. I just can't understand why anybody would want to hurt a child."

The relative later discovered Noone had previously been convicted of a similar offence. In 2016, he was jailed for three years and ordered to sign the sex offender register indefinitely after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a female under 13.

The relative said the abuse the child endured has had a devastating impact, saying Noone has 'taken away their childhood'. They added: "When I think about it, I feel numb. I think 'did I let [them] down?'.

"What he has done is unforgivable. I just thank God that [they] were brave enough to come forward. We are still trying to comprehend what has happened. It's one thing I thought I would never have to think about. I'm relieved it's over in one way, but it's not over for [them]."

When interviewed by detectives, Noone denied sexually assaulting both victims. During trial, he pleaded not guilty to the charges against