SIMON HILDREW FROM WASHINGTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN NEWCASTLE

In September 2023, a disturbing case unfolded involving Simon Hildrew, a man formerly residing in Washington, who was convicted of multiple heinous crimes against a young girl. The severity of his offenses and the chilling nature of his comments have shocked the community and prompted a stern judicial response.

Hildrew, aged 39, committed a series of sexual offenses against a minor, including rape, sexual assault, and inciting the child to engage in sexual activities. His crimes also extended to the possession of indecent images of children, with a total of three counts, most of which were classified as the most serious Category A images. The court heard that he had attempted to commit sexual acts and had assaulted the girl on multiple occasions, causing profound trauma.

The case came to light when police questioned Hildrew about the morality of his actions. In a shocking and inappropriate comparison, he asked whether it was acceptable for Hugh Hefner to have a Playboy mansion filled with teenagers, implying a disturbing justification for his own conduct. This comment underscored his lack of remorse and the depraved mindset that led to his conviction.

Hildrew’s criminal record also included two counts of rape of a child, attempted rape, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration, and five counts of sexual activity with a minor, one involving a second victim. His actions left a young girl deeply traumatized, emotionally blackmailed into silence, and robbed of her innocence. The victim’s mother described the devastating impact on her family, noting that her daughter had transformed from a happy, bubbly child into someone who is now ashamed, angry, and withdrawn. She expressed fears that her daughter would require long-term psychological therapy to recover from the trauma.

During the sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court, the victim’s mother emphasized the lasting damage inflicted by Hildrew’s actions, stating, “He took her innocence. She’s so traumatised she can’t even speak about it. This will affect every relationship she will go on to have and will affect her future as a whole. My world has been shattered. My mental health has been massively affected.”

Prosecutor Vince Ward detailed the victim’s confusion and fear, revealing that Hildrew had threatened to kill himself if she disclosed his abuse. Ward highlighted the manipulative and predatory nature of Hildrew’s conduct, which included blackmail and grooming.

In addition to the sexual offenses, Hildrew was found to have taken 58 indecent images of children, most of which were of the most serious type, Category A. His actions demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior and a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of minors.

Judge Tim Gittins sentenced Hildrew to 14 years in prison, with an extended license period of six years. The judge emphasized the irreparable harm caused by his actions, stating, “No sentence can go close to undoing the harm you have selfishly done with your depraved acts. It’s a credit to the victims that they have come forward to ensure you are not in a position to abuse them or anyone like them for a substantial period of time and hopefully never again. I hope they can see themselves in due course as survivors of your abuse rather than victims of it.”

Addressing Hildrew directly, the judge added, “You remain a danger to young females. You have described yourself as a paedophile. You are—and will remain for a substantial period of time—a significant risk of causing serious harm to young females.”

When asked by the judge if he felt remorse, Hildrew responded dismissively, questioning whether he was expected to beg or cry, claiming he was emotionally damaged and found it difficult to show emotion. His lack of genuine remorse was noted by the court as a concerning factor in his ongoing risk to the community.