RICHARD SIMCOCK FROM RAWTENSTALL SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRLS IN BURNLEY

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Rawtenstall and the surrounding areas, Richard Simcock, a 27-year-old man, was sentenced to a decade behind bars for heinous sexual offenses committed against two young girls. The court heard that Simcock, who has since claimed to have studied for the Mormon priesthood, engaged in a series of disturbing acts that have left lasting scars on his victims.

According to court proceedings, Simcock repeatedly attempted to rape one of the girls, who was understandably terrified during the assault. The court was told that he forcibly pinned her down as she desperately tried to resist his advances. In addition to the attempted rape, he performed sexual acts on her, touched her inappropriately, and engaged in sexual acts on himself in her presence. These acts were described as deeply invasive and traumatic, with the court emphasizing the severity of his actions.

Simcock’s criminal history was acknowledged, but it was noted that he had no prior convictions related to sexual offenses. During the trial, he claimed that his past misconduct was the result of being 'very young and stupid,' asserting that he has since changed his ways. Despite this, the evidence and victim testimonies painted a stark picture of ongoing predatory behavior.

He was arrested in October 2011 at his residence on Newchurch Road, Rawtenstall. Initially, Simcock denied the allegations, telling police that the victims had fabricated their stories. However, during further questioning in March of the following year, he continued to deny any abuse, only to be formally charged later with multiple serious offenses.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted rape, four counts of indecent assault, and one charge of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child. The court also imposed a sexual offences prevention order, which strictly prohibits him from having unsupervised contact or communication with any female under the age of 18. Additionally, Simcock was banned from working with children for the rest of his life and was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

Prosecutor Lynn Whaites described the chilling nature of the attempted rape, recounting that Simcock told the girl not to move and to simply let him do what he wanted. She emphasized the profound fear experienced by the victim during the assault.

Throughout the proceedings, Simcock’s defense lawyer, Robert Elias, highlighted that the offenses occurred several years ago and that his client had since matured and married. Elias acknowledged the impact of the criminal case on Simcock’s life, stating, “There has already been a bitter price for him to pay,” and emphasizing that his client’s wife was present in court, standing by him.

During sentencing, Judge Jonathan Gibson addressed Simcock directly, noting the long-term emotional damage inflicted on the victims. The judge remarked that the victims’ innocence had been stolen and that the consequences of Simcock’s actions would resonate throughout their lives. He also took into account a letter written by Simcock, in which he expressed remorse, regret, and discussed personal difficulties, including the impact on his wife.

Judge Gibson concluded by stating, “You do pose a real risk to children,” and sentenced Simcock to ten years in prison. As the sentence was read, Simcock sobbed in the dock, visibly affected by the gravity of his crimes. The case has left a lasting impression on the community of Rawtenstall and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from predatory individuals.