JERRY SIMEONS AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN NORFOLK
A judge has publicly expressed the profound distress caused by a disturbing incident involving the sexual assault of a young girl at a residence in Norfolk, where she had been staying.The court heard that the victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was present at a house in Norfolk when Jerry Simeons, aged 50, was also there.
It was during this visit that the assault took place, leaving a lasting impact on the young girl.
Lori Tucker, the prosecutor, detailed that the victim later confided in her parents, revealing that Simeons had 'hurt her.' This disclosure prompted immediate action from law enforcement authorities.
Police were contacted, and Simeons was swiftly arrested at his workplace on October 12 of the previous year.
During police interviews, Simeons initially denied the allegations, claiming he had only given the girl a cuddle and had taken her to the toilet.
However, the court was informed that Simeons appeared 'unwilling or unable to recollect precisely what happened,' indicating a possible attempt to obscure the details of the incident.
Simeons, who resides on Medeswell Close in Brundall, appeared before Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday, May 20.
He had previously admitted to sexually assaulting a female under the age of 13 on October 11 of the previous year.
The court heard a statement from the victim’s mother, who expressed her devastation upon learning what her daughter had told her about the assault.
In sentencing, Judge Anthony Bate sentenced Simeons to two years in prison.
The judge emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating, 'This is something no parent should have to endure.' Despite noting that Simeons had previously been of 'exemplary character,' the judge described him as now being a 'broken man' due to his actions.
Judge Bate also commented on Simeons’ claims of not recalling the incident, suggesting that this was likely driven by a 'sense of shame' for what he had done.
Furthermore, Simeons was ordered to be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for ten years and was mandated to sign the sex offenders’ register for the same duration.
During the proceedings, Andrew Oliver, representing the defendant, acknowledged the vulnerability of the young victim due to her age and described the incident as an 'abuse of trust.' Mr.
Oliver also noted that Simeons’ guilty plea was a sign of remorse for actions that had severely damaged his career.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Richard Wallis commented on the case, stating, 'These offences can often leave a mark on their victim for the rest of their lives, and it’s only because the girl was brave enough to speak up and tell her parents what had happened that the perpetrator was brought to justice.
We hope the court case will help to bring some closure for the victim and her family.'
