SIMON WHEATON FROM BRIDGWATER SENTENCED FOR MULTIPLE SEX OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG BOY

In a case that has shocked the community of Bridgwater, Simon Wheaton, aged 37, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offences committed against a young boy. The crimes, which spanned over several years, included multiple instances of rape, indecent assault, and incitement of a minor to perform acts of gross indecency.

Wheaton, a resident of Saltlands in Bridgwater, was convicted at Taunton Crown Court in June of five serious offences. The court heard that the abuse began in the early 2000s when the victim was only nine years old. The offences included not only repeated rapes but also other forms of sexual exploitation, such as indecent assaults on the same young boy under the age of 14, on at least two separate occasions.

The court was informed that Wheaton's predatory behavior was calculated and deliberate, with Judge Jason Taylor QC describing it as a pattern of sexual exploitation. The judge emphasized that Wheaton’s actions demonstrated a clear element of manipulation and predation, which compounded the severity of his crimes.

During the sentencing hearing at Swindon Crown Court on July 14, Wheaton was handed an 11-year prison sentence. The judge noted that Wheaton was still a teenager at the time of some of the offences, and this factor was taken into account when determining the overall punishment. The court also mandated that Wheaton serve two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for release.

The case only came to light when the victim, now an adult, confided in a counselor about the abuse he endured. The counselor, upon learning of the details, agreed to report the matter to the police. An extensive investigation ensued, involving interviews with the victim’s former partners and other witnesses, which ultimately led to Wheaton’s conviction.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Wheaton showed no remorse for his actions. The victim, who chose to remain anonymous for legal reasons, provided a heartfelt statement describing the profound impact of the abuse. He expressed feelings of betrayal, shame, and loss, recounting how Wheaton’s manipulation robbed him of his childhood and trust in others. The victim stated, “I was only a child when Wheaton did what he did to me. He took advantage of me being young and trusting. He used this to get what he wanted, making me feel like it was my fault and that I had no choice. It destroyed my trust in people and my ability to connect emotionally. The last 18 years of my life were stolen from me, and I wish I had spoken out sooner.”

Despite the severity of his crimes, Wheaton has no previous convictions, but the court’s decision reflects the gravity of his recent actions and the lasting harm caused to his victim. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for support systems for victims of sexual abuse, especially those who suffer in silence for years before coming forward.