SIMON HERITAGE KIDNAPS AND RAPES 11-YEAR-OLD BOY IN BEDWORTH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bedworth, Warwickshire, 38-year-old Simon John Heritage was convicted of heinous crimes involving an 11-year-old boy. The incident took place on Halloween evening, October 31, 2012, and has since led to a lengthy prison sentence and strict post-release conditions.

On March 18, at Warwick Crown Court, Judge Coates delivered a comprehensive sentence to Heritage, who was found guilty of multiple serious charges. Heritage was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison, with concurrent sentences of five years for kidnapping, two years for possessing an offensive weapon, and 12 years for the rape itself. These sentences are to run simultaneously, reflecting the gravity of his offenses.

The events unfolded around 6:50 pm on Halloween night. The young boy, who had been out trick-or-treating with friends, had reached their designated meeting point in Bedworth and was on his own when Heritage approached him. According to reports, Heritage pressed a knife against the boy’s shoulder blades, threatening him with violence and demanding silence, warning, “I’ll kill you.”

Heritage then forcibly led the boy into an alleyway, where he committed the assault. The young victim’s mother had been trying repeatedly to contact her son via phone, but Heritage had taken the boy’s mobile device, preventing her from reaching him. During the ordeal, Heritage’s actions escalated to sexual assault, leaving the community and the boy’s family devastated.

Following the attack, Heritage told the boy that he would visit him if he disclosed his address. Believing his words, the boy returned Heritage’s mobile phone and was released. Later that evening, police officers visited the address provided by Heritage. During the search, they discovered a knife and clothing matching the description given by the boy, leading to Heritage’s immediate arrest.

In addition to his prison sentence, Heritage was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register. Authorities also arranged for him to be managed under the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) upon his release, ensuring strict supervision and monitoring to prevent further offenses.

Heritage’s criminal history was further confirmed in November 2012, when he admitted to raping the 11-year-old boy. He faced five charges related to the attack on Sharratt Road, including kidnap, possession of a bladed article, inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of rape. His guilty plea was entered at Warwick Crown Court, and sentencing was scheduled for the end of January. The case has left a lasting impact on the Bedworth community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children.