SIMON DANDO FROM DUDLEY SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST SCHOOLGIRL IN WOLVERHAMPTON

In a case that has shocked the Dudley community, Simon Dando, a 36-year-old man, was sentenced to five and a half years in prison after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences committed against a young schoolgirl. The offences, which took place over a span of two months, involved grooming and sexual activity with a minor, leaving the victim deeply traumatized.

During the proceedings at Wolverhampton Crown Court, it was revealed that Dando had admitted to four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, as well as a charge of producing an indecent photograph of a child. The court heard that there was an element of grooming involved in the case, with Dando allegedly manipulating the young girl into a situation where she felt pressured and threatened. Prosecutor Dean Kershaw stated that Dando had made threats to the girl, warning her of potential repercussions if she disclosed what had transpired.

The victim, who was a schoolgirl at the time, eventually confided in someone about the abuse. In her victim impact statement, she described the profound psychological damage inflicted by Dando’s actions, emphasizing how the offences had severely affected her mental health and overall well-being.

Judge Martin Walsh addressed Dando directly during sentencing, highlighting the nature and duration of his misconduct. He explained that Dando’s activities had a lasting and damaging impact on the young girl, noting that Dando had exerted pressure on her to keep silent about the abuse. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “Your activities have had a profound effect on her. Pressure was clearly placed on her not to reveal what happened.”

As part of his sentence, Dando, who resides on Oak Green Road in Dudley, was ordered to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. Additionally, he was placed under an indefinite Sexual Offenders Protection Order, which aims to restrict his activities and protect the community from further harm. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of grooming and sexual abuse on young victims and underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial action in such cases.