ALAN SIMPSON FROM CASTLEFORD AND CHELMSLEY WOOD JAILED FOR ABUSING TEENAGE GIRL

In October 2019, a disturbing case of sexual abuse involving a long-distance lorry driver was brought to a close at Warwick Crown Court, resulting in a significant prison sentence for the offender. Alan Simpson, a 48-year-old man residing in Chelmsley Wood at the time of the offences, was convicted of multiple serious charges related to the sexual exploitation of a 15-year-old girl. The court sentenced Simpson to 12 years in prison and mandated that he register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.

Simpson, whose address was listed as Fosse Walk, Castleford, Yorkshire, had pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor and one count of raping her. The prosecution, led by Sophie Murray, detailed how Simpson had systematically groomed the young girl, establishing a pattern of manipulation and exploitation. Evidence revealed that Simpson sent explicit images of his genitals to the girl and coerced her into sending him nude photographs of herself. These exchanges marked the beginning of a series of increasingly invasive and abusive encounters.

The court heard that the abuse took place within the confines of Simpson’s truck cab. During these encounters, Simpson exposed the girl to pornography featuring older men with young women, which he used to further manipulate her. He then pressured her into touching him and performing oral sex. The abuse was not a one-time event but occurred on multiple occasions, escalating in severity until the final assault when Simpson raped her when she was 16 years old.

Prosecutor Sophie Murray described the distressing details of the rape, stating, “She was a virgin. She said she didn’t want it to happen. He pinned her down and told her she would like it. She said it was hurting. She began crying, and he stopped.” The girl later confided in her mother about the assault, prompting police involvement. When Simpson was arrested, he initially refused to comment but later attempted to justify his actions by claiming the girl had initiated the contact, asking him to demonstrate oral sex. He also accused her of threatening to reveal his alleged paedophilia unless he paid her money.

However, investigators found that Simpson’s claims were false. A review of the girl’s phone revealed messages from Simpson himself, in which he requested oral sex from her, contradicting his later statements. The evidence painted a clear picture of predatory behavior and manipulation.

During the hearing, Simpson’s defense attorney, Blondel Thompson, acknowledged the seriousness of the case. She stated, “The pre-sentence report does not make good reading, but he doesn’t seek to resile from his pleas. He is remorseful. He was the adult and should have known better, but that isn’t really reflected in the report which seems to be blaming the complainant for all of the offences.” Despite her comments, she emphasized that Simpson, who has served in the Army Reserves for 18 years and has been involved in recruiting for the past eight, feels shame for his actions.

Judge Sylvia de Bertodano delivered the sentence, condemning Simpson’s conduct as a grave breach of trust and morality. She stated, “You started a sexual predatory relationship. You showed her pornography, and this quickly progressed to getting her to masturbate you and to perform oral sex on you. Then you raped her. You pinned her down. She repeatedly refused and was crying. Nevertheless, you continued to force yourself on her. Her first experience of having sexual intercourse was being raped by you. This sort of behaviour ruins people’s lives, and it has effects on them for years and decades after.” The court’s decision underscores the serious consequences of such predatory actions and the lasting impact on victims.