New information has come to light about the disturbing past of a 45-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting an elderly woman in her Springhill, N.S. home.
Paul Noiles appeared in Amherst provincial court Wednesday morning to face charges in connection with the alleged assault of the 84-year-old woman.
A neighbour called police to report suspicious activity at the victim’s home early Sunday morning.
Police discovered the woman’s home had been broken into and that she had been sexually assaulted.
With the help of tracking dogs, police were able to locate the accused at a nearby home around 7:30 a.m. Sunday.
The victim was treated in hospital and has since been released.
Noiles is charged with sexual assault causing bodily harm, forcible confinement, and breaking and entering in connection with a crime that has shocked residents in the Springhill area.
“It impacts a smaller community more…more people know everyone in a small community,” says area resident Jamie Heap.
Many residents were outraged to hear the accused has a long history of sexual attacks on elderly women.
Noiles also holds an extensive record of assault, break and enter, and sexual assault charges dating back to 1985.
In 2000, Noiles served eight years in prison for sexually assaulted a 71-year-old woman.
“We don’t need this in this town,” says Springhill resident Lillian Farrell. “We don’t need it. It is time something has been done.”
The Crown prosecutor in the case says he is considering applying for a dangerous offender designation if the accused is convicted.
“If you ask me my personal opinion, yes it is disturbing,” says Crown attorney Bruce Baxter. “I am sure Crowns and police officers and citizens in general have sleepless nights, sometimes thinking about these things going on.”
Noiles is due back in court Friday morning for a bail hearing.
With files from CTV Atlantic's David Bell
