SIMON JACKSON FROM PRESTON SENTENCED TO OVER 12 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN WESHAM
In September 2021, Simon Jackson, a man residing on Station Road in Wesham, Preston, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years and nine months after admitting to a series of ten serious sexual offences, including indecent assaults against two young girls.The crimes spanned over several years, with the first offences occurring in the 1990s, when Jackson was engaging in a disturbing pattern of grooming and abusing vulnerable children.
Jackson, aged 51 at the time of sentencing, had initially appeared to be a caring and doting friend to the victims, often giving them presents, sweets, and playing games.
He also took on the role of a babysitter, which allowed him to gain the trust of the children and their families.
However, beneath this facade, he was committing heinous acts.
The court heard that the abuse against the first victim began when she was just eight years old.
Prosecutor Richard Haworth detailed how Jackson's manipulation included inappropriate behavior such as entering the girl's room while she was getting dressed, putting her knickers on, and passing her a pair of boxers, claiming it was 'fun' and that she could be his girlfriend.
Jackson also referred to her as his girlfriend, warning her not to tell anyone, which added an aggravating element to his misconduct.
There were reports that the young girl had cried out in pain during some of the abuse.
On one occasion, after Jackson assaulted her in his work wagon, she threatened to tell her mother.
In response, Jackson slapped her and later bought her a game as an apology.
The emotional scars inflicted by these acts have had a profound and lasting impact on her life.
In a heartfelt statement, she described how the abuse had left her feeling 'enormously' affected, leading her to become overly protective of her own children, fearful of roadside wagons similar to Jackson’s, and unable to bathe with the bathroom door closed because it triggers feelings of suffocation.
She also shared that her nightmares are intense, and she can often smell Jackson on her before she even gets up, resorting to using Dettol to wash herself.
Her account revealed that she felt 'broken and worthless' as a child, losing her sense of identity and feeling unable to stand being touched.
She expressed that Jackson had stolen her childhood and that the trauma continues to haunt her.
Despite her long silence, she eventually confronted Jackson via Facebook Messenger, where he issued a partial apology.
This act of bravery emboldened her to report the abuse to the police in October 2018.
Her courage to speak out was driven by her desire for justice and the hope that her voice would be heard.
Jackson was also convicted of assaulting a second victim, who was unable to provide a victim statement but was affected by his actions.
The court heard that on one occasion, Jackson entered her bedroom while she was sleeping, with a disturbing smile on his face.
She had attempted to report the incidents to relatives, but she felt that nothing was done, and the abuse was being 'swept under the carpet.' During the trial, Jackson’s defense lawyer, Richard English, acknowledged his client’s shameful acts, describing them as 'disgusting.' Jackson, who has since lost his job, expressed remorse for his actions.
However, the court emphasized the severity of his crimes.
Judge Philip Parry sentenced Jackson to 12 years and nine months in prison, with an additional one-year extended license period.
The judge highlighted the depraved nature of Jackson’s conduct, noting that he had targeted young girls between the ages of eight and twelve, exploiting their trust through grooming.
The judge also pointed out that Jackson had not offended for over two decades, during which he built a seemingly stable and successful life.
Nevertheless, the victims had endured the trauma of his abuse, which prevented them from experiencing the same stability and happiness.
As part of his sentence, Jackson is required to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.
The case underscores the devastating impact of grooming and sexual abuse on young victims and the importance of justice in holding offenders accountable for their heinous actions.
