MATTHEW SIMM SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES
The family of 21-year-old zoological student Matthew Simm, from Lydiate, stood by him after his arrest concerning the possession of indecent images of children.Simm's house was raided following the upload of such images to Twitter, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
Police attended his residence on Coppull Road on May 6 last year after tracing activity to his IP address.
Prosecutor Frank Dillon stated that Simm acknowledged the email addresses associated with the images were his, but denied any knowledge of the offences.
Authorities seized his electronic devices, finding illegal content on two phones and a laptop.
Forensic analysis revealed a total of 703 images and videos, among which 362 were classified as Category A, indicating child rape.
The investigation also uncovered 100 extreme pornographic images, including one video.
These searches or accesses occurred in the days leading up to his arrest.
Simm pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images of children, one of possessing indecent images, and one of possessing extreme pornography.
Judge Anil Murray expressed disbelief at Simm’s claim that he was not sexually attracted to children, noting that the images depicted children as young as three or four years old.
The judge acknowledged there was no evidence of distribution but accepted Simm had shown insight into his actions and was supported by his family.
He also stated that Simm had been assessed as posing a low risk of re-offending or causing serious harm.
The defendant admitted to possessing fewer images—566—than suggested by the prosecution, and the judge decided to sentence on that basis.
Simm received an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years.
He was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, participate in 15 days of rehabilitation activities, and sign the Sexual Offenders Register for ten years.
Additionally, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed for ten years, restricting his internet use.
Defense attorney Peter White highlighted that Simm has no previous convictions and demonstrated remorse through his guilty plea, also emphasizing his low risk of re-offending.
