In 2022, Simon Watts, a Plymouth Paedophile, was incarcerated after admitting guilt to 26 sexual offence charges, including six instances of rape. Simon Watts, 58, has been sentenced to 16 years and four months in prison for historical acts against two females.
Simon Watts faced six allegations of rape, 15 charges of indecent assault, three charges of sexual assault, and two charges of assault occasioning actual bodily damage. Two victims were involved from 1993 until 2010.
Prosecutor Heather Hope informed the court about the case particulars and how the two victims, whose identities are protected for legal reasons, endured repeated abuse by Simon Watts. The court was informed that Simon Watts clandestinely recorded and photographed one of his victims, retaining the photographs and footage for years until apprehended by law enforcement.
Ms Hope disclosed that Simon Watts had orchestrated each encounter just to “satisfy his sexual desires,” leaving his victims feeling “physically ill.” Investigators discovered search terms such as “voyeur” and “pre-teen” on his electronic devices, along with a wireless camera, photo printer, and a noose in his loft.
One victim informed the authorities that Simon Watts had consistently threatened to murder her and her entire family, concealing their bodies in tunnels beneath Dartmoor, should she disclose the abuse to anybody. Following the revelation of some of his abuse, he made several attempts at suicide.
Both ladies delivered their victim impact statements in court, struggling to contain their tears as they recalled the prolonged assault, unaware of each other’s suffering. One individual stated that Simon Watts stripped her of her “confidence, personality, and independence,” and since filing her complaint with the police, she has experienced panic attacks. She articulated that upon discovering he had been granted freedom by the courts, she was “terrified” that he would pursue her and even kill her.
She stated that she experienced “prolonged suffering” for the 14 months preceding the sentence hearing, which was continually postponed owing to Simon Watts’ suicide attempts, alterations in his legal representation, and his absence from sessions. She stated that he would “never be forgiven” by her and that he had caused her “life-long trauma.”
Deni Matthews, his advocate, stated in mitigation that his client underwent therapy for depression in 1994, and the psychiatric report submitted to the judge indicated that Watts might have Autistic Spectrum Disorder. He stated that Simon Watts had endured abuse from his stepfather and had been subjected to bullying during his time in the merchant navy.
Judge David Evans stated that it was “evident” to him that Simon Watts was aware his conduct was “reprehensible and entirely incorrect”. In addition to the total term of 16 years and four months, he stated that he will issue a restraining order prohibiting him from approaching or contacting the two ladies, as well as from entering several specified streets in Plymouth.
Detective Sergeant Chris Kinski of the investigating team stated: “We wish to commend the courage and resilience of the victims in this case for coming forward and reporting these offences to us.”
“We acknowledge the gravity of approaching law enforcement to report such offences and the apprehension of not being taken seriously.”
“Concerns persist regarding the efficacy of police action in historical sexual abuse cases; however, this underscores our commitment to investigating all reports of sexual abuse, irrespective of their recency. We are dedicated to ensuring justice for offenders and providing support for survivors.”
“We are confident that the offences perpetrated against the victims will remain with them indefinitely, and we now hope that the sentence imposed today will offer some semblance of closure, enabling the victims to proceed with the same courage and resolve they have demonstrated throughout this process.”
He expressed gratitude to all officers involved in the investigation, particularly the two leading the case, whose commitment to the inquiry and support for the victims has meant that justice has been served today.
This accomplishment was made possible through the Crown Prosecution Service and our collaborative partnership, which facilitated the successful presentation of evidence and the delivery of a just sentence for the victims.
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