ANDREW SIMMONDS FROM AMESBURY SENTENCED IN SWINDON FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES AFTER FLEEING TO CORNWALL

In a case that has spanned several years and involved extensive investigation, Andrew Simmonds, a 57-year-old resident of Amesbury, has been formally sentenced in Swindon for possessing indecent images of children. The proceedings took place at Swindon Magistrates Court on July 3, where Simmonds received a sentence that reflects the gravity of his offenses.

According to court records, Simmonds disappeared from his home in Amesbury on March 2, 2012, shortly after being arrested and released on bail in connection with allegations of possessing indecent images of minors. Despite widespread efforts to locate him, including appeals through local and regional media outlets, a Crimewatch broadcast, and a comprehensive police investigation, Simmonds remained at large for over five years. His disappearance caused significant concern among his family members, who reported having no contact with him since his vanishing and were unaware of the crimes he was involved in.

It was not until May 27 that authorities in Cornwall successfully apprehended Simmonds. Local police officers detained him, leading to his subsequent charges, which included making and possessing indecent images of children, possessing extreme pornography, and failing to surrender to police bail. Simmonds pleaded guilty to all charges during a prior court hearing, and he was held in custody until the sentencing hearing.

During the court proceedings, Simmonds was sentenced to a 26-week prison term, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of five years and was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that restricts his internet usage for the same duration. These measures are designed to monitor and limit his access to online content, reducing the risk of further offending.

Detective Constable Ian Day commented on the case, stating, “Mr. Simmonds has finally been sentenced for the crimes he committed many years ago. He chose to go on the run for more than five years rather than face the consequences. His actions caused considerable distress and anxiety to his family and wasted valuable police resources. Now that he has been convicted, he will be closely monitored as a registered sex offender.”

The case underscores the importance of persistent police work and community vigilance in bringing offenders to justice, even after years of evasion. Simmonds’s case serves as a stark reminder of the long arm of the law and the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.