SIMON BLENKINSHIP'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN CUMBRIA LEAVE VICTIMS DEVASTATED

A man named Simon Blenkinship, residing in North Cumbria, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls. The court heard that Blenkinship, aged 56, engaged in a series of disturbing acts that included repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting two primary school-aged girls, as well as molesting a third young girl. Despite initially denying all allegations during police interviews, he later confessed to a total of 27 child sex abuse charges, revealing the extent of his disturbing actions.

One of the victims, who was subjected to Blenkinship’s abuse, described her ongoing trauma, stating that not a single day passes without her feeling the physical and emotional scars of his actions. She recounted that she constantly feels his hands on her and expressed her anguish by saying she wants to claw off her own skin, illustrating the deep psychological wounds inflicted upon her. The court was told that Blenkinship’s actions had a profoundly destructive impact on the victims’ lives, with Judge Andrew Jefferies QC describing him as a “dangerous” individual.

During the sentencing at Carlisle Crown Court, the judge imposed an extended license period of eight years, emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed. Judge Jefferies remarked that the victims’ lives had been irrevocably altered, stating, “To say you have ruined all their lives is no overstatement.” He expressed hope that the victims would find the strength to recover and lead as normal a life as possible, despite the childhood they had been robbed of.

Statements from the victims were read aloud in court, painting a harrowing picture of systematic abuse. Prosecutor Kim Whittlestone described the case as involving “the serious, systematic sexual abuse of three young girls.” The court heard that for one of the victims, the abuse began gradually but soon escalated into multiple rapes, emotional manipulation, and humiliation. The victim’s impact statement revealed she suffers from night terrors, insomnia, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She also disclosed that she was threatened by Blenkinship before she finally confided in the police, describing her life as living “in a nightmare that will never cease.”

Blenkinship, who had no fixed address at the time of his arrest, was also found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a second girl and abusing a third. His criminal record includes charges of multiple rapes, sexual assault, causing a child to watch sexual activity, and possessing indecent photographs of a child. He admitted to all 27 charges brought against him.

Defense lawyer Judith McCullough stated that Blenkinship “says he will never forgive himself,” highlighting his remorse. Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Jo Allison-Wright of Cumbria Police expressed her condemnation of the crimes, acknowledging the courage of the victims in coming forward and enduring the investigation. She emphasized the horrific nature of the offenses and the importance of justice.

As part of his sentence, Blenkinship is required to serve at least two-thirds of his prison term before being considered for parole. Additionally, he will be registered on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities to protect the community from further harm.