SCOTT SIMPSON SENTENCED FOR REPEATED BREACHES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT
Scott Simpson, a known sex offender from Stoke-on-Trent, has been remanded into custody following his recent breaches of legal restrictions and his inappropriate conduct involving a woman and her two young children.Simpson, aged 30, has a history that includes a court-mandated Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which was issued in 2014 after he engaged in sexual activity in front of a child.
Despite this court order, Simpson violated its terms by engaging with a woman and her two daughters, aged six and three, on two separate occasions.
The court was informed that Simpson not only broke the order but also went to lengths to conceal his communication device.
He hid his internet-enabled mobile phone and failed to present it to law enforcement officers when asked.
This pattern of behaviour demonstrated a deliberate attempt to conceal evidence and bypass restrictions imposed for the protection of children.
In the proceedings held at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, the prosecutor Antony Longworth provided detailed insights into the case.
He explained that Simpson’s involvement with the woman and her children began when they met on February 12.
The woman, who was unaware of Simpson’s previous offences or the existence of the SHPO, and her children went back to Simpson's residence.
The court was told that their visit was described by witnesses as a “pleasant time,” during which Simpson was engaging and affectionate towards the children.
At the end of the visit, Simpson left a bag in the woman’s car, which she later returned to his home on February 19.
Importantly, the prosecutor emphasized that if the woman had known about Simpson’s past sexual offences or the restrictions of the SHPO, she would have avoided any contact.
Simpson's failure to disclose his history and the fact that he had breached legal restrictions was a significant concern.
Further allegations arose when police officers visited Simpson’s home on March 31.
During this visit, Simpson claimed he did not possess a mobile phone, only using his partner’s device.
When police contacted the phone number associated with Simpson, it went to voicemail.
Upon questioning, Simpson admitted that his phone was located in the bin area of his property.
Law enforcement officials subsequently found the device there, confirming that Simpson had indeed been hiding his phone, contrary to legal expectations.
Simpson, residing on Hartshill Road in Hartshill, pleaded guilty to three charges of breaching the Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The court proceedings revealed that he had not offended from 2014 up until 2019, demonstrating an ability to remain offence-free and suggesting some progress.
His lawyer, Martin Bloor, argued that Simpson was not entirely forthcoming with police regarding the phone or with the woman about his past.
He stated that Simpson recognizes the underlying issues that contributed to his previous offending.
However, despite these mitigating factors, the judge, Graeme Smith, imposed a custodial sentence.
Simpson was sentenced to 23 months in prison, with the judge expressing serious concerns about his risk of re-offending.
He emphasized that Simpson remains a significant danger, highlighting that the defendant has responded poorly to prior supervision efforts and poses a high risk of causing harm if released again.
The court’s decision reflects an understanding of the importance of protecting the public, especially vulnerable children, from individuals with a proven history of offending.
