SIMON NIELSON FROM HOLMFIRTH AVOIDS JAIL AFTER SENDING INAPPROPRIATE PHOTO AND HAVING CHILD RAPE VIDEO

In April 2021, a disturbing case involving a paedophile from Holmfirth came to light, revealing serious allegations of child exploitation and possession of illegal material. Simon Nielson, a 30-year-old resident of Holme House Lane, New Mill, Holmfirth, was caught in a police operation that uncovered his inappropriate online behavior and possession of a prohibited video depicting child abuse.

Police officers used an undercover operation called Reveal, conducted by the regional organised crime unit, to target adults interested in engaging with minors sexually. During this operation, an officer posed as a 14-year-old boy named Jack on Kik Messenger, a popular messaging app. The operation aimed to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to communicate with minors for sexual purposes.

On January 22, 2019, Nielson initiated contact with the undercover profile. Prosecutor Soheil Khan explained that Nielson messaged the profile, claiming he had seen Jack’s profile on the 'Leeds teen gays' Kik group and asked if he wanted to have 'fun.' The defendant inquired about Jack’s sexual preferences and, upon learning that Jack had no experience, proceeded to ask if he liked talking to older men. During this exchange, Nielson sent a photo of his genitals to the undercover officer, which was a key piece of evidence in the case.

Further attempts to communicate were made by Nielson on three other occasions, although he did not respond twice. On February 4, 2019, Nielson responded to the undercover profile, expressing that he was feeling horny and wished to engage in oral and anal sex. Throughout the conversations, Nielson was repeatedly informed that the 'boy' was only 14 years old, emphasizing the illegal nature of his intentions.

In April 2019, police arrested Nielson. During his initial police interview, he claimed he believed he was talking to an older boy, denying any malicious intent. However, subsequent investigations revealed more disturbing evidence: a prohibited video depicting an 'elf-like' child being raped. When confronted with this material, Nielson chose not to comment during his second police interview.

On Thursday, April 15, 2021, Nielson appeared in court and pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and possessing a prohibited image of a child. The court sentenced him to 12 months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for 30 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 31 sessions of the Horizon rehabilitation program and 25 days of other activities aimed at his rehabilitation. The court also mandated that Nielson sign the sex offenders register for the next ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.