SIMON DRAPER FROM MIDDLESBROUGH AND REDCAR JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING A YOUNG GIRL

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Middlesbrough Redcar Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local communities of Middlesbrough and Redcar, Simon Paul Draper has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for his involvement in a series of disturbing sexual offences against a minor. The 42-year-old man’s actions, which spanned over a period of time, included sending numerous sexually explicit messages via text and online chat to a teenage girl, knowing her young age and vulnerability.

According to court proceedings, Draper not only engaged in inappropriate communication but also asked the girl for photographs of herself and suggested they meet in person. The girl, whose identity is protected by law, eventually visited Draper’s residence, where they engaged in sexual activity. This was not an isolated incident; the prosecutor, Shaun Dodds, revealed that the pair continued to meet and have sex on multiple occasions. Draper took the girl to various locations, including his home and a Redcar office, and even arranged drives with her. Additionally, he paid a woman £10 to use her bedroom in the Stockton area for their meetings.

The girl described Draper as someone who “haunted” her life, emphasizing the profound psychological impact his actions had on her. She recounted how Draper became increasingly controlling, instilling fear and pressure upon her. When she attempted to end their meetings, Draper responded with threats, including a disturbing threat to kill himself. Her distress was compounded by the fact that another man had also exploited her during this period. Her father discovered explicit messages from this man on Facebook, which led to police involvement and the girl revealing her encounters with Draper.

In August of the previous year, the other man involved was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after admitting to six charges of sexual activity with a child. Draper, who resides on Normanby Road in Middlesbrough, admitted to six counts of similar offences, marking his first convictions. His actions have left a lasting scar on the girl, who described her life as “lonely, horrific and chaotic” due to the trauma inflicted.

During the sentencing, defense lawyer Brian Russell expressed that Draper felt remorse and shame for his actions. He argued that this case was not a typical grooming scenario and highlighted that Draper’s wife supported him, with the hope of him returning to a responsible family life. Russell also claimed that the girl had reciprocated some of Draper’s advances and was aware of her own choices. However, Judge Peter Bowers strongly disagreed with this perspective, stating, “It’s apparent that she didn’t know what was good for her.”

Judge Bowers condemned Draper’s conduct, describing his messages as “entirely out of order” and emphasizing that although it is common for girls of that age to explore their sexuality, they often do not understand the potential psychological consequences. The judge pointed out that Draper’s actions introduced the girl to sex prematurely, causing psychological damage and undermining her well-being. As part of his sentence, Draper was also issued a sexual offences prevention order to prevent future offences and protect others from similar harm.
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