SIMON ROCKEY'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN BIDEFORD: PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND GROOMING OF 12-YEAR-OLD BOY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bideford, Simon Rockey, a 49-year-old man, was sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a 12-year-old boy. The case came to light after a vigilant landlady noticed the young victim emerging from Rockey’s residence in Bideford and promptly alerted the police, setting off a detailed investigation into the predator’s actions.

Rockey’s offending began through online interactions. The victim, who was just 12 years old at the time, initially connected with Rockey on social media during a family New Year’s Eve celebration when he was bored and decided to log onto a social networking site. The two started communicating, with the boy accepting Rockey’s friend request. Their online conversations soon delved into personal topics, including the boy’s concerns about his sexuality, which Rockey exploited to groom him further.

Over the following months, the communication escalated from social media messages to private phone calls and Skype chats. During these exchanges, Rockey continued to manipulate the young boy, gradually leading to physical encounters. The predator, who was working as a shopkeeper near Bideford at the time, met the boy by chance while waiting for a bus. He then invited the boy back to his lodgings in Bideford, where the abuse persisted over several months. The boy’s family remained unaware of these visits, unaware of the extent of Rockey’s grooming and exploitation.

The criminal activities only came to light when Rockey’s landlady observed the boy leaving his room and grew suspicious of their relationship. Despite Rockey’s denials of any sexual activity, investigators uncovered damning evidence. He had filmed himself and the boy, sending explicit images via Skype, which were recovered from their computers. This evidence played a crucial role in securing the conviction.

Rockey, residing on Meddon Street in Bideford, admitted to multiple charges, including two counts of statutory rape, two of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and five counts of sexual activity with a child. During the sentencing at Exeter Crown Court, Recorder Mr. Andrew Oldland, QC, emphasized the severity and persistence of Rockey’s offending. He described the case as involving “persistent serious sexual offending over at least 12 months,” highlighting that the victim was only 12 years old and that Rockey was fully aware of his young age from the outset.

The judge pointed out that the grooming process was extensive, involving social networks, phone calls, and Skype conversations, which continued even after the sexual acts began. He stated that the offenses appeared to be both planned and targeted, driven by Rockey’s own sexual gratification. The victim’s personal statement revealed that he was unaware at the time that his actions were wrong but felt uncomfortable and distressed, which was compounded by self-harming behaviors and significant difficulties at school and home.

Prosecutor Miss Emily Pitts detailed that the relationship started on New Year’s Eve in 2012, when the boy was 12, and continued until April of the following year, when he was 13. The communication involved messages, texts, and Skype calls, during which the boy confided his fears about being gay or bisexual. Rockey asked for photographs and suggested meeting for sex, which the boy eventually did after a chance encounter outside a local shop where he worked. The boy visited Rockey’s home regularly, participating in various sexual acts, some of which he recorded and sent via Skype.

The victim expressed feelings of unease about the encounters but felt unable to refuse Rockey’s demands. The situation was only uncovered when the landlord saw the boy in a disheveled state on the landing of Rockey’s residence. The police investigation revealed the extent of the grooming and abuse, including explicit images and messages stored on Rockey’s devices.

During the hearing, Rockey’s defense argued that all sexual activity was consensual, asserting that the boy was under 13 and legally unable to give consent. The defense also claimed there were no threats or coercion involved and that the relationship involved a degree of understanding and care. However, the court found the evidence of grooming and exploitation compelling, leading to the lengthy prison sentence.

In a related development in December 2014, Rockey had already admitted to raping the boy after police discovered incriminating photographs on his Skype account. The court had ordered a report to assess his dangerousness, and he was remanded in custody. The prosecution highlighted the grooming aspect and the possession of explicit images, emphasizing the gravity of the case. The judge noted that Rockey’s actions were targeted and involved a single victim, with no prior convictions, but the nature of the offenses warranted a significant custodial sentence to protect the public and serve justice.