JACK SIMPSON FROM BARNOLDSWICK SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN BURNLEY

In a case that has shocked the local community, 18-year-old Jack Simpson of Vicarage Road, Barnoldswick, has been sentenced to prison for engaging in a series of sexual activities with a young girl he met through social media. The incident, which took place over a four-month period, involved Simpson having consensual sex with a girl who was only 12 years old at the time, despite his awareness of her age.

Burnley Crown Court heard detailed accounts of the case, revealing that Simpson was fully aware of the girl’s age during their interactions. The court was informed that Simpson only ceased his activities after a social worker intervened and warned him to stay away from the girl. The judge, Jonathon Gibson, emphasized that the girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was too young to give valid consent, and that Simpson was conscious of the fact that his actions were morally and legally wrong.

Prosecutor Paul Brookwell recounted that suspicions about the inappropriate relationship first arose in December 2014. However, at that time, authorities had no concrete evidence linking Simpson to the girl. It was not until June 2014 that social services became aware of the relationship, which the girl initially denied, claiming they were merely “good friends.” Despite her denial, social workers spoke directly with Simpson and issued warnings for him to cease contact.

The situation escalated in August 2015 when the girl sought emergency contraception at the Brook Clinic. During her visit, she disclosed details of her relationship with Simpson, prompting police involvement. During police interviews, the girl revealed that she had met Simpson on Facebook in September 2014 and that they had met in person a month later. She admitted that their sexual relationship began in March 2015, even though she was aware of her young age. She also stated that the sexual activity continued for approximately four months until social services intervened and warned Simpson to stop.

The court was told that the sexual encounters took place at various locations, including Simpson’s father’s residence, his grandmother’s house, and the girl’s own home. Simpson pleaded guilty to charges of raping a child under the age of 12, acknowledging that the sex was consensual. However, he admitted that the sexual activity was frequent but not necessarily on every occasion they met.

Representing Simpson, defense lawyer Jeremy Coleman argued that a psychiatrist had assessed his client and found him to be immature for his age, lacking full understanding of the impact his actions could have on the victim. Despite this, the court found the evidence sufficient to impose a significant sentence.

Judge Gibson sentenced Simpson to 12 months in a young offender’s institution. He also ordered Simpson to register as a sex offender for the next ten years and imposed a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restricting his interactions with children. The judge emphasized that Simpson knew the girl was only 12 years old and that engaging in sexual activity with her was fundamentally wrong, regardless of her apparent consent. The case underscores the importance of protecting minors from exploitation and highlights the legal responsibilities that come with such serious offenses.