KEITH SIMPSON'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN BLACKPOOL: PAEDOPHILE BREACHES ORDER AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS CHILDREN
In November 2016, Keith Simpson, a man with a troubling criminal history, found himself back in the spotlight after being convicted of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order in Blackpool.The court was informed that Simpson, 43, had taken extraordinary measures to communicate with young boys online, which directly violated the restrictions imposed on him.
Simpson had created a false Facebook profile under the guise of a 10-year-old boy from Switzerland named Cody.
This deceptive account was used to engage in conversations with three boys aged 12, 13, and 16, despite the fact that he was explicitly prohibited from such interactions by his court order.
The breach was uncovered during a routine meeting with police, probation, and mental health officials who were supervising him.
When asked to surrender his mobile phone for inspection, Simpson initially denied possessing one, claiming he did not have a device.
However, he was seen using a mobile phone in the reception area, and upon handing it over, incriminating evidence was discovered.
On the device, authorities found proof that Simpson had set up a fake Facebook profile, claiming to be a 13-year-old boy from Switzerland.
The messages exchanged with the three boys were in direct violation of the terms set by his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
These messages revealed a disturbing pattern of online grooming and communication with minors, which led to his immediate arrest and subsequent court proceedings.
Simpson, who resides on Central Drive in Blackpool, pleaded guilty to the charge of breaching the Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
His legal situation was further complicated by his prior convictions, which included a conviction for sexually assaulting a young boy.
Additionally, he had five previous offences related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children, for which he was on a suspended prison sentence.
These offences underscored a pattern of concerning behavior and heightened the seriousness of his latest breach.
During the court hearing at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court, District Judge Jeff Brailsford refused Simpson bail, remanding him in custody until his sentencing hearing scheduled for December 21 at Preston Crown Court.
Prosecutor Pam Smith highlighted Simpson’s criminal background, emphasizing the gravity of his repeated offences and the breach of court orders designed to protect minors.
In a separate but related case from August 2013, Simpson’s actions had already drawn public outrage.
The father of an eight-year-old boy, who was molested while playing outside, publicly criticized the leniency of the sentence handed down to Simpson.
The father, who requested anonymity to protect his son’s identity, expressed his distress over the impact of the assault.
The incident occurred on March 5 in an alleyway off Bloomfield Road, South Shore, where Simpson, then 39 and reportedly with learning difficulties, grabbed the child from behind and sexually assaulted him.
The young boy immediately reported the incident to his parents, who contacted the police.
The court sentenced Simpson to six months in prison, suspended for two years, and imposed a two-year supervision order.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years at Burnley Crown Court.
Simpson denied the charges initially but was found guilty after a trial at Preston Crown Court.
The father of the victim expressed his disappointment, stating that his son’s behavior had changed significantly since the assault.
The boy, who was initially quiet and afraid to sleep alone, had become more aggressive and was involved in fights both at school and at home.
The father hoped that with time, his son would be able to move past the trauma and regain a sense of normalcy.
Judge Simon Newell issued a stern warning to Simpson, stating, “If you start messing about with any little boys again, or do anything else like that again, you will go to prison for six months.” The judge’s comments underscored the seriousness of Simpson’s actions and the potential consequences if he reoffended, emphasizing the ongoing threat he posed to the community in Blackpool and beyond.
