Howard Zin Green

A youth worker has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for a series of sex offences committed against young girls over a 15-year span. Howard Zin Green, aged 47 and from Queens Avenue in Greenford, Ealing, targeted as many as 10 victims between the ages of four and 16. The offences occurred from 1979 to 1994, during which time Green was working as a volunteer for youth groups and a church school.

The investigation into Green's activities was initiated by the Child Abuse Investigation Command in Barnet in October 2006, prompted by two allegations of assault on a 14-year-old girl between 2002 and 2004. This led to a broader probe uncovering historical abuses. In March, Green pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to one count of rape, three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14, two counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16, and two counts of indecent assault on women over the age of consent. A further 11 offences were left on file.

Sentencing took place on Friday at Wood Green Crown Court, where Judge [name not specified in article] imposed the 11-year custodial term. At the time of sentencing, Green was unemployed. The case highlights the long-term impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of victims coming forward, even years after the events.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Hannah Rose commended the victims' bravery, stating: 'I would like to pay tribute to the victims of Howard Green who had the courage and trust in the police to come forward and report their harrowing experiences to us. I am thankful for them that he chose to plead guilty rather than subject them to a trial.' She added: 'I hope this case encourages other victims of assault to speak to police. They can be assured that we will treat them with empathy and conduct a thorough investigation into their allegations.'

The article, originally reported by Charlotte Gray for the Tottenham Independent on 9th June 2008, underscores the role of community volunteers in positions of trust and the safeguards needed to protect vulnerable children. Sources include court records from Wood Green Crown Court and statements from the Metropolitan Police's Child Abuse Investigation Command.