SIMON THORNTON, FORMER MAYOR OF GODALMING, JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN GUILDFORD

A former Mayor of Godalming has been sentenced to nine years in prison for multiple child sex offences involving a 13-year-old girl. Simon Thornton, aged 46 and a former Tory councillor, groomed the girl over a three-year period, during which he used gifts such as sweets and a top-of-the-line mobile phone to manipulate her, Guildford Crown Court heard. The court was told that Thornton forced the teenager to sleep in bed with him and his then-wife throughout the abuse.

During the sentencing, the judge described how Thornton repeatedly engaged in sexual activity with the girl, several times each week, in various locations including his home, a workplace, woods, and a van. The offences involved sexual relations with the girl from her 13th birthday when he began grooming her by providing gifts and companionship, often collecting her from school and inviting her to his home and workplace.

Police investigation revealed condoms hidden under floorboards of Thornton’s butchers shop office, which he owned at the time. Thornton also attempted to normalize his behaviour by having the girl sleep beside him and his then-wife.

Investigating officer Police Constable Tamzin Ede stated, “Simon Thornton displayed predatory behaviour to abuse a child for a prolonged period. He clearly believed he would get away with his actions, but he has now been rightly jailed for his abhorrent crimes.”

The impact on the victim has been significant, with reports of low confidence, depression, and difficulty trusting others. The victim showed courage in reporting the abuse and supporting the police inquiry.

Prosecutor Wendy Cottee noted that the girl was suffering personal problems at home at the time of the abuse, and she initially did not recognize the inappropriate nature of Thornton’s actions. The victim even added Thornton’s contact details under the name “Charlie,” believing he was someone she was dating. It was only after she turned 15 that she realized his behaviour was wrong and began to distance herself.

When Thornton was arrested on October 24, 2017, at his butcher’s shop, he famously told officers, “You know I am the Mayor of Godalming?”

The court also heard a statement from the victim describing her “toxic” relationship with her mother, her feelings of safety around Thornton, and her anxiety and nervousness during police interviews. She also revealed suffering from depression and social isolation.

Defense lawyer Ian Wilkinson highlighted Thornton’s struggles with dyslexia and efforts to pursue a college career, mentioning that Thornton expressed remorse after his arrest and had confided to his wife about the crimes. Wilkinson emphasized that Thornton has no previous convictions and stated, “Nothing suggests Mr. Thornton is a dangerous offender.”

Before sentencing, Judge Robert Fraser noted, “The fact is you exploited her vulnerability.”

On May 8, Thornton admitted to 16 charges, including eight counts of sexual activity with a child, possessing indecent images of a child—including Category A videos and photos—and possessing other indecent images. He was sentenced to nine years, with a minimum of half to be served before potential parole, and will be on the Sexual Offenders Register. He also faces a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely and has been disqualified from working with children for life. Thornton entered not guilty pleas for voyeurism and paying for sexual services involving a child, with those charges remaining on file.