SIMON CRICK SENTENCED IN ST IVES FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE CASE

In April 2018, a disturbing case of child sexual abuse came to light involving Simon Crick, a 41-year-old man from Tamar Close, St Ives. Crick was found guilty of heinous crimes against a young girl who was under the age of 13, crimes that have left deep scars on the victim's life.

Crick’s criminal actions included not only the sexual assault of the young girl but also an attempt to rape her. Additionally, he was found to have taken indecent photographs of her, further compounding the severity of his offenses. The young girl, who was the victim, described her feelings in court, revealing how the abuse has profoundly affected her daily life. She expressed feelings of sadness, dirtiness, and upset, and shared that the trauma has caused her to struggle with eating properly and to constantly look over her shoulder, fearing Crick’s presence.

The police investigation was initiated after the victim confided in another girl her own age about the abuse. During a search of Crick’s residence, authorities discovered a digital camera containing two indecent images of the young girl, confirming the extent of his misconduct. A statement from the victim was read aloud in court, where she detailed how the abuse continues to impact her mental health and emotional well-being. She described her ongoing anxiety, difficulty in expressing herself, and fears about how these memories will influence her future.

Judge Patrick Fields, presiding over the case at Cambridge Crown Court, delivered a stern sentence to Crick. He emphasized that the trauma inflicted on the young girl would likely haunt her for the rest of her life. The judge stated, “This sordid abuse is not simply something that occurred in the past. I fear she will be haunted by the memories for the rest of her life. You have not only abused her sexually but you have stolen her childhood.”

Crick was sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison. The sentence was composed of 11 years for the attempted rape of a girl under 13, seven years for three counts of sexual assault on a girl under 13, and another 11 years for sexual penetration of a child under 13. The court also considered the charge of making indecent images of a child as an aggravating factor, but it did not result in a separate sentence. All sentences are to be served concurrently, meaning Crick will serve a maximum of 11 years in prison.

Furthermore, Crick was issued a restraining order to prevent any contact with his victim and a sexual harm prevention order that prohibits him from having any contact with individuals under the age of 16. These measures aim to protect the community and prevent further harm from the convicted individual.