In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Michael Simmonds, then 37, of no fixed address, was sentenced to three years and two months in prison. On Monday, 19 January 2026, Simmonds was jailed at Lewes Crown Court following a “reprehensible” campaign of sexual assault, the possession of illegal imagery, and the persistent defiance of court orders.
The investigation established that in June 2025, a 13-year-old boy was sexually assaulted in woodland in Crawley, West Sussex. Due to the victim’s “courageous” and immediate report, Sussex Police were able to quickly locate and arrest Simmonds. Forensic examination of his mobile phone subsequently uncovered a “vile” collection of child abuse material, including the most severe Category A and Category B images.
Judicial Breaches and Escalation
Following his initial arrest, Simmonds was released on bail, during which time specialist officers obtained a Sexual Risk Order (SRO) to restrict his digital activity. However, he showed a “calculated” disregard for these terms, breaching the order by downloading unapproved apps and websites. By 27 October 2025, he was further charged with taking indecent photographs of children and breaching his court bail, leading to his remand in custody.
The prosecution emphasised that Simmonds represents a “persistent” risk to the public, given his escalation from possession to contact offending and his refusal to comply with monitoring. He pleaded guilty to all charges at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 18 November 2025 before his final sentencing at the Crown Court this month.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his “abhorrent” crimes in Crawley, West Sussex, Michael Simmonds was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Three years and two months in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were imposed (the duration is typically for life for a sentence of this length).
- SHPO: A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed for a period of ten years to curb his future conduct and digital access.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Simmonds is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Sussex Police. His history of “sinister” woodland assaults and the production of new indecent imagery marks him as a high-priority offender.
As a registered sex offender, Simmonds must comply with strict notification requirements. Authorities state that his prior breaches of an SRO warrant “critical” and continuous supervision. Any attempt to access restricted technology or a breach of his 10-year SHPO following his eventual release will result in his immediate return to Lewes Crown Court.
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