SIMON HARRISON FROM PONTEFRACT SENTENCED TO 29 YEARS FOR ABUSE IN WEST YORKSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Pontefract and the wider West Yorkshire area, Simon Harrison has been sentenced to a total of 29 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over a span of more than a decade. The court heard how Harrison, aged 54, engaged in a prolonged campaign of abuse against two young girls, with the most shocking incident involving him filming himself in the act of having sex with an 11-year-old girl while she clutched a teddy bear for comfort.

Harrison’s crimes, which took place between 2002 and 2015, included multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, voyeurism, indecency with a child, and indecent assault. The severity of his actions was underscored by the fact that he recorded one of his victims on numerous occasions during the abuse, later forcing her to watch the footage. The court was shown the harrowing videos during the trial at Leeds Crown Court, which left a lasting impact on all who viewed them.

Further disturbing evidence revealed that Harrison had hidden a secret camera in his home to film one of the girls in the bath, an act of voyeurism that added to his list of offenses. His abuse extended beyond his home, as he also assaulted the victims in his camper van, often threatening and intimidating them afterward to prevent disclosure of his crimes.

Throughout the trial, Harrison attempted to shift blame onto his victims, a tactic that was met with strong condemnation from the judge. Judge Robin Mairs praised the bravery of the two young women for coming forward, enduring the trauma of giving evidence and confronting their abuser in court. The judge commended their resilience, stating, “May I pay tribute to the courage displayed by both complainants and the steadfastness in which they gave their evidence. They both behaved impeccably and with supreme courage and are to be credited for that.”

He also acknowledged the efforts of the police officers involved in the investigation, describing their work as “outstanding” given the complexity and difficulty of the case. The officers’ support for the victims and their families was highlighted as exemplary.

Harrison was convicted on multiple counts, including four charges of rape, two of sexual assault, voyeurism, indecency with a child, indecent assault, and a further serious sexual offense. He pleaded guilty to additional charges of sexual assault, making indecent images of a child, and engaging in sexual activity with a child.

In his defense, Harrison attempted to justify his actions by blaming his victims, a move that the judge described as “utterly despicable.” Judge Mairs characterized Harrison as an “entrenched paedophile” who viewed children as objects for his sexual gratification. The judge emphasized that Harrison showed no remorse or recognition of the harm caused, instead portraying himself as a caring man, which was a stark contrast to his actual behavior.

As a result of his convictions, Harrison was sentenced to serve a custodial term of 24 years, with an additional five-year extended license period to follow. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of his crimes and the serious danger he poses to children and the community of Pontefract and beyond.