SIMON SULLIVAN GROOMED AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTED 11-YEAR-OLD BOY IN BLACKPOOL
In September 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Simon Sullivan, a 24-year-old security guard from Blackpool, who was accused of grooming and assaulting an 11-year-old boy from Chorley.Sullivan, who was employed as a doorman at the Claremont Hotel, a two-star establishment located along the promenade in Blackpool, became known to the young boy and his family during their stay at the hotel.
The incident came to light after Sullivan was found to have engaged in a series of inappropriate and criminal behaviors following the family's holiday.
The charges against him include meeting a child following sexual grooming, engaging in sexual communication with a minor, inciting a child to perform sexual acts, and actual sexual assault.
These allegations relate to a period after the family’s stay at the hotel, during which Sullivan allegedly attempted to groom the young boy.
During a brief hearing at Preston Crown Court, Sullivan pleaded guilty to all four charges.
He admitted to meeting the boy in March after grooming him, with the clear intent of committing a sexual offence.
The court was informed that Sullivan also engaged in sexual assault by kissing the boy on the mouth between March and July.
Furthermore, Sullivan confessed to encouraging the boy to send him a private picture of his genitals in June, as well as persuading him to perform a sexual act on himself.
Around the same time, he also encouraged the boy to send images or messages of himself in his boxer shorts.
Prosecutor Paul Brookwell highlighted that the young victim had been spoken to by authorities but was reluctant to give evidence, describing him as “a very young 11” who did not wish to testify in the case.
The court heard that Sullivan’s actions were deliberate and predatory, aimed at exploiting the innocence of the young boy.
Judge Jonathan Gibson ordered the case to be adjourned for a pre-sentence report and granted Sullivan conditional bail.
As part of the bail conditions, Sullivan is prohibited from entering Chorley borough or having any contact with children.
His next court appearance is scheduled for October 4 at Burnley Crown Court, where he will face sentencing.
Until then, Sullivan is required to sign the sex offenders’ register, marking the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing legal process.
