GUISBOROUGH MAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AFTER VICTIM SECRETLY RECORDED REMORSE

Simon Nash, aged 31, was found guilty of raping a woman while she was unconscious. The victim initially discovered Nash engaged in sexual activity with her and later informed authorities that she experienced shock and feigned sleep during the assault, which took place several years earlier. Confronted by Nash, she recorded his apology on her phone, during which he asked, "Why would you do such a thing?" He repeatedly expressed remorse, and she presented this recording to the police, resulting in his arrest. The court was told that Nash attempted to manipulate his victim by suggesting she had asked him to remove her pyjama bottoms when questioned about her clothing being taken off. After a trial in March, a jury convicted Nash. He has prior convictions for assault causing actual bodily harm and affray, incidents that caused a family to fear for their safety. During sentencing, Nash appeared via video from Durham prison, with a bandaged neck, crying throughout, and behaving aggressively and without remorse. Judge Peter Makepeace sentenced him to eight years’ imprisonment, with two-thirds of the term to be served before release eligibility. A restraining order was also granted to prevent Nash from contacting the victim again, and he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Cleveland Police praised the victim's bravery and encouraged anyone with similar experiences to report them. Nash’s violent history and recent behavior underscore his depiction as a dangerous individual, prompting the justice system to impose a severe sentence to safeguard the community.