LEEDS MAN DAVID SIMPSON JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN YORK AND LEEDS

In a case that has shocked the communities of Leeds and York, David Simpson, a 67-year-old groundworker, has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl over three decades ago. The crimes, which spanned a period of six years, began when the victim was merely seven years old, marking a deeply disturbing chapter in her life.

York Crown Court heard that Simpson’s abuse was not limited to a single incident but involved multiple acts of sexual assault, including an attempted rape. One particularly distressing detail revealed that less than an hour after the girl had visited a sick relative in hospital, Simpson subjected her to further abuse. The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons, finally found the courage to report the crimes after many years of silence, leading to Simpson’s arrest and subsequent trial.

Judge Stephen Ashurst condemned Simpson’s actions as “disgusting behavior,” emphasizing the severity of his misconduct. The judge remarked that Simpson’s refusal to acknowledge his crimes was indicative of his lack of remorse. “It is something that you, even now, are not prepared to acknowledge. The degree of indecency in your case was exceptionally high,” he stated.

Following a trial, the jury at York Crown Court convicted Simpson of 12 sex offenses, including one charge of attempted rape, seven counts of indecent assault, and four charges of indecency with a child. The court heard that Simpson, who currently resides at Windmill Green in Rothwell, Leeds, had denied all charges.

In sentencing, Simpson was handed a five-year prison term. Additionally, he was prohibited from working with children and was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of his crimes and the need to protect the community from potential harm.

During the sentencing hearing, Simpson’s legal representative, Ian Howard, argued that Simpson had led a “blameless life” in the thirty years following the offenses. However, the court’s verdict and subsequent sentencing underscore the serious nature of his crimes and the lasting impact on his young victim.