GRAHAM SIMCOCK SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN WARRINGTON
A man identified as Graham Simcock has been convicted and sentenced to nearly two decades behind bars for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against children in Warrington.The court heard that Simcock, aged 59, was responsible for a disturbing pattern of abuse involving 145 separate incidents spanning several years, during which he systematically exploited multiple young victims.
During the sentencing hearing at Chester Crown Court, it was revealed that Simcock’s actions were not only numerous but also deeply depraved.
The court was told that he had shown a callous disregard for the well-being of his victims, some of whom were asleep when he initiated sexual acts upon them.
One victim recounted waking up to find Simcock performing a sexual act on them, only to be reassured that it was “just a dream,” and then asked about the dream in a manner that minimized the trauma.
Simcock would also attempt to bribe victims with sweets and money to keep their silence, a tactic that further compounded the betrayal of trust.
Prosecutor Myles Wilson detailed how Simcock’s behaviour grew increasingly bold over time.
He pursued his sexual fetishes with the children, often warning them that if they told anyone, they would be in “as much trouble as him.” The court heard that some of the acts committed by Simcock would now be classified as rape if they occurred today, highlighting the severity of his crimes.
An especially disturbing incident involved Simcock laughing after a victim, who was visibly upset and crying, ran from the room.
He then proceeded to repeat the same abusive act immediately afterward, showing a disturbing lack of remorse.
Simcock’s predatory conduct extended beyond physical abuse.
He would show victims pornography and touch them inappropriately, often asking for similar acts in return.
When he performed a sexual act on one of the children, he dismissed it as “just a bit of fun” and told the victim to “relax.” The court was also informed that some victims attempted self-harm as a consequence of the abuse, and many suffered long-term mental health issues, including flashbacks and sleepless nights.
Despite having no prior convictions, Simcock was arrested in May 2022.
During police interviews, he chose to answer questions with “no comment,” refusing to cooperate.
Victims who gave impact statements described the profound and lasting damage inflicted upon them.
One victim expressed how difficult it was to prepare their statement, describing feelings of powerlessness and shame, and recounting how they were told they were “disgusting” and that they needed “proof” to be believed.
Another victim shared that they felt “destroyed mentally and physically,” having been told from a young age to keep their trauma secret, which only deepened their feelings of dirtiness and disgust.
The court heard that Simcock’s actions caused significant psychological harm, including grooming and manipulation, with a notable disparity in age between him and his victims.
His defence, represented by Jonathan Duffy, acknowledged that Simcock accepted the wrongfulness of his actions.
Duffy emphasized that his client suffers from intellectual and learning difficulties but expressed remorse, stating that Simcock wanted his victims to know he was sorry, even if his words might seem hollow.
Before sentencing, Judge Simon Berkson described the case as a “lengthy campaign of child sexual offending,” emphasizing the systematic nature of the abuse.
He condemned Simcock’s conduct as “persistent, horrific, and cruel,” noting the “depraved and perverted theme” of the crimes.
The judge highlighted the profound impact on the victims and expressed hope that their coming forward and guilty pleas might help them begin to heal.
Graham Simcock, who resided at Ryfields Retirement Village in Orford, was sentenced to 19 years and four months in prison.
Additionally, he will serve a year on extended licence upon release.
The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender for life, imposed indefinite restraining orders to prevent contact with the victims, and barred him from working with children in any capacity.
The sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes and the court’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children from such predatory individuals.
