MEL SIMPKINS FROM WELLINGTON AND WIMBLINGTON CAUGHT WITH INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN

In a disturbing case that highlights ongoing concerns about child exploitation and the monitoring of sex offenders, Mel Simpkins, a 23-year-old man with ties to Wellington and Wimblington, has been found guilty of possessing additional indecent images of children. This revelation comes after a routine check by authorities uncovered further violations of his legal obligations as a registered sex offender.

On December 16 of the previous year, officers from the North-based Public Protection Unit (PPU) conducted a scheduled visit to Simpkins’ residence. The purpose of these visits is to ensure compliance with the conditions set forth in the Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that was imposed on him in 2017. During this visit, the officers discovered five files stored in the Recycle Bin of Simpkins’ computer. Notably, deleting internet history is considered a direct breach of his SHPO, which aims to prevent reoffending and protect the community.

Among the files found was one containing an indecent image of a child, a serious violation that prompted immediate concern. Further investigation revealed that Simpkins had attempted to conceal his activities by deleting additional content from his laptop, including four more indecent images. Authorities also uncovered evidence that he had used alias names to evade detection, which is a breach of the notification requirements associated with his status on the Sex Offenders Register.

DC Jim Howard, representing the northern PPU, emphasized the importance of these monitoring efforts. He stated, “All registered sex offenders in our county are allocated to a member of our PPU team to be monitored. Part of this includes carrying out unannounced visits at their home address, accessing their electronic devices, and speaking with them about their daily activity.”

DC Howard further explained that the investigation revealed Simpkins had deliberately deleted content from his laptop, including four indecent images, and had used false identities to conceal his activities. These actions constitute clear breaches of the notification requirements that are designed to safeguard children and prevent reoffending. He added, “These requirements are in place to protect children and that is why we visit them so regularly to prevent reoffending.”

In court, Simpkins, who resides on Eastwood Avenue in Wimblington, March, pleaded guilty to multiple charges. These included possession of an indecent image of a child, breaching his SHPO, and failing to comply with the notification obligations of the Sex Offenders Register. The judge sentenced him at Cambridge Crown Court to a term of 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, reflecting the seriousness of his violations but also considering his cooperation.

Earlier, in May 2017, Simpkins faced legal action related to his possession of indecent images. At that time, he was given a community order after being found with over 100 such images. The offences spanned from July 2014 to August 2016 and included making indecent images of children, possessing a prohibited image, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prohibition Order issued in July 2014. Additionally, he was involved in an incident of outraging public decency in a shop in Wellington on September 14, 2016.

As part of his sentencing, Simpkins was ordered to participate in an intensive sexual offender group program, requiring 60 rehabilitation days. His five-year sex offenders’ order was also extended by an additional five years during the proceedings at Shrewsbury Crown Court. Judge Jim Tindal expressed concern over Simpkins’ repeated offenses and the challenges in assessing his mental health, noting that despite efforts to get him evaluated by NHS mental health services, the court had no choice but to proceed with probation supervision. The judge warned that continued offending could lead to the court deeming him a dangerous individual, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with probation officers to mitigate risks to the community.