SIMON MADDEN FROM BROMSGROVE SENTENCED AFTER SEXUAL ENCOUNTER WITH 13-YEAR-OLD SCHOOLGIRL

In April 2007, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Simon Madden, a 20-year-old man from Bromsgrove, who found himself at the center of a serious criminal case concerning a sexual encounter with a 13-year-old girl. The events took place at a flat in Bromsgrove, where Madden and several friends had been drinking cider together.

According to reports, Madden and some of his friends were consuming alcohol at the residence when a few of them decided to leave. Madden then took the young girl into a bedroom, where they both climbed onto a bed and began removing their clothes. Madden claimed that the girl sat on him and groped him, but he was heavily intoxicated at the time and unable to respond appropriately, as stated by prosecutor Simon Phillips during proceedings at Worcester Crown Court.

As the situation unfolded, the other individuals in the flat returned and immediately questioned Madden about his sexual activity with the underage girl. Madden, who admitted to the charges, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a child. The court was informed that the incident occurred on May 25 of the previous year, and that there was also a 14-year-old girl present at the flat during the same time.

Concerned about her daughter's drunken state, the victim's parents contacted the police, which led to Madden's arrest. During police interviews, Madden admitted that the girl had flirted with him and that they had gone into a bedroom at someone else's suggestion. He also claimed that he believed the girl was 15 years old, not aware of her true age. Madden further expressed remorse, stating, “I know it’s a disgrace what I’ve done. If I hadn’t had a drink, I wouldn’t have done it.”

Judge Andrew Geddes presided over the case and acknowledged that Madden and the girl had been semi-naked during the incident. However, the judge noted that Madden was too intoxicated to engage in sexual activity. The judge clarified that Madden did not force the girl with alcohol and believed she had consented, but emphasized that her vulnerability due to intoxication and her age made her deserving of protection. “Some girls need protection from themselves,” the judge remarked, highlighting the seriousness of the case.

It was also revealed that Madden had a history of 19 previous offences, though none related to sexual crimes. The court was told that Madden was due for release from custody at the time of sentencing, having previously been detained for breaching a community order. His defense attorney, Michael Aspinall, requested that Madden be given a further community order, arguing that the prison experience had served as a wake-up call regarding his alcohol abuse and that Madden was now motivated to change.

Despite these pleas, the judge deemed the case too grave for a community sentence. Madden was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was given a 12-month detention order. Madden also expressed regret, acknowledging the gravity of his actions and the influence of alcohol on his behavior. He is currently the father of a two-year-old daughter and has a partner, but the court’s decision underscores the severity of his misconduct and the need for ongoing supervision and protection for vulnerable minors in the community.