LUKE SIMPSON ATWORTH MAN SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CAMPAIGN OF RAPE IN SWINDON AND MELKSHAM

In March 2021, Luke Simpson, a 33-year-old man from Atworth near Melksham, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses against an 11-year-old girl. The case, heard at Swindon Crown Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned nearly a year, involving manipulation, predatory behavior, and a calculated campaign of sexual assault.

Judge Jason Taylor QC described Simpson’s actions as brazen and meticulously planned, emphasizing the manipulative and predatory nature of his conduct. Simpson, who stood in the dock with little visible emotion, was sentenced to 18 years in prison, with a further five years on extended license. The judge made it clear that Simpson would serve at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars, with the remaining time subject to supervision and monitoring.

The court heard that Simpson’s abuse took place between January 2019 and October 2020, during which he subjected his young victim—then aged 11 and 12—to a relentless campaign of sexual violence. The girl described her ordeal as involving numerous incidents of rape and other forms of assault, which she told police had occurred “too many times to count.” Simpson’s methods included the use of coded messages via WhatsApp, such as “cuddles tonight?” to conceal his intentions, knowing that the girl’s mother regularly checked her phone. Prosecutor David Scutt detailed how Simpson would ask the girl if she wanted what he was doing to her, and if she refused, he would become angry or moody for days afterward.

The victim first confided in her younger sister about the abuse, and later, in October 2020, disclosed everything to her mother. Following her disclosure, Simpson was swiftly arrested. During police interviews, he initially denied any wrongdoing but later admitted to a “sexual involvement” with the girl, claiming it was consensual. His mother, horrified by his lack of remorse, provided a statement to the police, saying, “I decided if Luke was not going to admit what had happened I was going to have to call it in myself.” His father also gave a statement, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and stating, “It seems like the most terrible thing ever but I know I have to.”

Simpson attempted to justify his actions by claiming that the sexual activity was initiated by the girl and that he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol, stating he had been “away with the fairies” and not in “actual reality.” However, the prosecution rejected these claims, noting that Simpson had not entered a plea basis and that his explanations were not credible.

In a poignant impact statement read aloud in court, the young victim expressed her feelings of distrust and shame, saying, “I struggle to trust men and feel like I’m not normal. As a 12-year-old girl I feel ashamed to have been treated like that.” She also shared her fears, stating, “He made me feel anxious, I sometimes thought he would kill me if I told anyone. I would feel safer knowing he is in prison.” Her mother praised her resilience and described Simpson as “sick and demonic.”

Prior to sentencing, Simpson pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including rape of a child, assault of a child by penetration, and sexual assault. Judge Taylor described his offending as a “campaign of rape,” highlighting the calculated and predatory nature of his crimes. The judge emphasized the need for close management and monitoring upon Simpson’s release, citing the high risk he posed to other young girls. The extended sentence was designed to facilitate ongoing assessment and intervention, aiming to prevent further harm.

Simpson was taken from the courtroom to taunts from the public gallery, with some shouting “bye” as he left. He will remain a registered sex offender for life and is subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, ensuring strict oversight of his conduct in the future.

In a related case from February 2021, Simpson had previously admitted to raping the same girl during a nine-month period of abuse. His plea included charges of rape, oral rape, sexual assault by penetration, and touching, all committed between January and October 2020. His sentencing was postponed after a hearing at Swindon Crown Court, where Judge Peter Crabtree ordered psychological and pre-sentence reports. Simpson, who was remanded in Bristol prison, refused bail and appeared via video link wearing an orange jacket, confirming his identity and guilty pleas. The case remains ongoing as authorities assess his dangerousness and appropriate sentencing measures.