SIMON DURANT GOSPORT PERVERT CAUGHT WITH 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL AND SENTENCED TO OVER THREE YEARS IN PRISON

In March 2016, a disturbing incident unfolded in Gosport involving Simon Durant, a man who was found in a compromising situation with a 15-year-old girl. The police were alerted to Durant’s whereabouts after receiving a tip-off, leading them to take swift action. When officers arrived at his residence, they forcibly entered his flat on Crane Close, breaking the locks to gain access.

Inside the flat, the scene was captured vividly on body-worn camera footage. The footage showed Durant, aged 41, lying on his back with his knees drawn to his chest, wearing only a T-shirt and boxer shorts. The police found the young girl hiding under a duvet behind the sofa, her identity protected by law. The court was shown this footage during the proceedings, highlighting the tense and alarming nature of the arrest.

It was revealed that prior to his arrest, Durant had been caught on a hidden camera engaging in kissing and cuddling with the girl. This footage led to his initial detention, although he was subsequently released on bail. The investigation uncovered further disturbing details: Durant had kept the girl at his flat for two nights, during which they engaged in sexual activity. A framed photograph of the girl was discovered in his bedroom, along with a sex toy, indicating a level of intimacy and familiarity. Importantly, there was no evidence suggesting force was used; the activities were described as consensual in the basis of plea.

Prosecutor Martyn Booth emphasized Durant’s apparent attraction to young girls, stating, “This is someone who has an in-built attraction to young girls.” The court also learned that Durant had sent messages to the girl while in custody, including one stating he wanted to “pick you up and never take you back,” further demonstrating his inappropriate interest.

Durant, who had no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of child abduction. The judge, Ian Pearson, sentenced him to three years and four months in prison. During sentencing, the judge acknowledged that the acts appeared to be consensual and that no force was evident. However, he emphasized the importance of protecting young girls from exploitation by older men, underscoring the law’s role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Additionally, the court heard that Durant continued to communicate with the girl from prison. As part of his sentence, he was issued a restraining order prohibiting any contact with her for five years. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which restricts him from having unsupervised contact with any child under 16 for a period of ten years. These measures aim to prevent any future harm and ensure ongoing monitoring of his activities.