JANUARY 2007 Paedophile joined parent groups A PENSIONER was locked up for four-and-a-half years on Tuesday for indecently assaulting a young boy. Denis Simmons, 77, of Ruislip, joined a local single-parent group so he could prey on young children. Harrow Crown Court heard Simmons, who committed the crimes between 1990 and 1996 when the boy was aged between seven and 13, would immerse himself in the support groups activities so he could sexually abuse the child. His depravity was exposed when he was confronted by his victim ten years later when they bumped into each other in a B&Q store. Detective Constable Julia Mayer, the investigating officer at Edgware child abuse investigation unit, said: “This man is a predatory paedophile who has brought misery to a great many children due to his actions. “This result is testimony to the brave victim that came forward to police after so long and ensured through his co-operation that we were able to succeed in our prosecution. “We know that Simmons has a history of over 30 years of offences and we would urge anyone who has been a victim of Denis Simmons to come forward and speak to police.” Simmons was jailed after admitting the three charges of indecent assault. He must now register as a sex offender for life.