SIMON PORRIT FROM TEWKESBURY JAILED FOR DECADES-OLD CHILD ABUSE CASES IN NORTHUMBRIA AND SOUTH WALES

In a case that spanned over two decades, Simon Porritt, a man now aged 70 and originally from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, has been finally brought to justice for heinous crimes committed against two young girls during the 1980s and 1990s. The lengthy investigation and subsequent legal proceedings have highlighted the resilience of victims and the dedication of law enforcement agencies in uncovering long-standing abuse.

Porritt's first known victim was a schoolgirl from Newcastle, who endured a series of traumatic experiences at his hands during the 1980s. After this period, Porritt relocated from Newcastle and adopted a different name, making it difficult for authorities to track him down. His second victim, a girl from South Wales, came forward in the 1990s to report that she had also been subjected to abuse by him. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Porritt's criminal activities could not remain hidden forever.

In 2000, the Newcastle victim, now an adult, reported the abuse, which prompted a manhunt to locate Porritt. However, he had already taken steps to conceal his identity by registering a vehicle and other official documents under his new partner’s name or her second name, effectively evading detection. The search for him went cold until a breakthrough occurred in 2017 when Northumbria Police uncovered a critical clue. Officers discovered that Porritt had registered a car in his own name at an address in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, revealing his true identity.

Detective Jemma Day from Northumbria Police led the investigation, which involved collaboration with Gloucestershire Police and authorities in South Wales. The breakthrough led to Porritt’s arrest in Gloucestershire on suspicion of gross indecency with a child. During the investigation, the link to his second victim was established, further solidifying the case against him.

Porritt was eventually charged and appeared at Cardiff Crown Court, where he faced multiple counts of sexual offenses. Last month, a jury found him guilty of three counts of gross indecency with a child and five counts of indecent assault of a female under 16. On the following Monday, he was sentenced to nine years in prison and was also handed a sexual harm prevention order to prevent further offenses.

In her statement, Detective Jemma Day praised the bravery of the victims, emphasizing their courage in coming forward after many years. She expressed hope that the conviction would bring some measure of relief to those affected and serve as a reminder that justice can be achieved, regardless of how much time has passed. She stated, “While nothing can ever take away what has happened, I hope the conviction and sentence of Simon Porritt will provide them with some comfort. I also hope it will encourage other victims of historic sexual assaults to come forward. We are here for you, we will listen, and we will support you – and we will do whatever we can to help ensure you see justice.”

Reflecting on the case, Detective Day noted that Porritt had left Newcastle in the 1990s and likely changed his name to avoid detection. Thanks to the diligent work of law enforcement officers in Gloucestershire, South Wales, and Northumbria, Porritt has now been held accountable for his horrendous crimes, facing the consequences of his actions after years of evading justice.