SIMON HORTON FROM LINCOLN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON FOUR-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN LINCOLN
In a case that has shocked the community of Lincoln, Simon Horton, a former Royal Air Force (RAF) corporal, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl aged just four years old.Horton, who served his country during the Falklands War and the first Gulf War, now faces the consequences of his actions in a court of law, with additional lifelong restrictions imposed upon him.
Horton, aged 54 and residing on Elizabeth Avenue in Tattershall Bridge, was charged with multiple serious offenses.
He denied six counts of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13, as well as a further charge of inciting or causing a child to participate in sexual activity.
However, after a trial at Lincoln Crown Court, a jury found him guilty of all charges.
The court's decision underscores the severity of the crimes committed and the impact on the young victim.
During the sentencing, Judge Simon Hirst addressed Horton directly, emphasizing the gravity of the offenses.
He stated, “Your victim was four years old at the time of the offences against her.
This has had a significant impact on her parents.” The judge’s remarks highlight not only the trauma inflicted on the child but also the profound emotional toll on her family.
Prosecutor Stephen Kemp detailed the circumstances of the crimes, revealing that Horton committed these acts on three separate occasions throughout 2015.
He explained to the court that the young girl was particularly vulnerable due to her age, and Horton exploited this vulnerability.
Mr.
Kemp added, “Because she was only four at the time she was particularly vulnerable.
He was telling her to keep it a secret.” The repercussions of the assault have extended beyond the immediate family.
The father of the victim has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a direct result of the traumatic events.
Both parents have sought counseling to cope with the emotional aftermath of the abuse, illustrating the lasting damage caused by Horton’s actions.
In addition to his prison sentence, Horton has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his movements and interactions to prevent further harm.
He has also been issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which imposes strict conditions on his behavior moving forward.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the serious consequences faced by those who violate their trust.
