SIMON RUSSELL FROM RAF HONINGTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local community around RAF Honington in Suffolk, Simon Russell, a 42-year-old decorated soldier, has been sentenced to a total of five years in prison after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving a minor. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse that spanned several years, beginning when the victim was only 13 years old.

Simon Russell, who served in the military transport section, was accused of befriending a young girl and gradually escalating their relationship from innocent kisses to sexual activity. According to the evidence presented at Ipswich Crown Court, Russell engaged in sexual acts with the girl when she was just 15, despite his claims that he only had sex with her after her 16th birthday because she allegedly initiated it. The court heard that the relationship was characterized by manipulation and breach of trust, with Russell exploiting his position and the vulnerability of the young girl.

The case came to light when the victim’s current boyfriend discovered text messages from Russell on her phone, raising suspicions. This discovery prompted police investigation, during which officers examined Russell’s computer and uncovered eight indecent images depicting girls under the age of 16. Russell admitted to possessing these images but denied four counts of indecent assault and three counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 15, maintaining that his sexual encounters with her only occurred after her 16th birthday.

In addition to the charges related to the girl, Russell faced allegations of indecently exposing himself to another schoolgirl and inviting her to watch a pornographic DVD with him. The jury found him guilty of all charges related to the abuse that took place between 2002 and 2005. Russell’s military background includes service in the Gulf War, as well as deployments in Iraq, Bosnia, and Cyprus. Despite his military achievements, including receiving five medals and a Queen’s Jubilee Medal, his conduct off the battlefield has overshadowed his service record.

During the trial, Russell’s defense lawyer, Juliet Oliver, described him as a ‘sex addict’ and claimed that he had been rehabilitated since his arrest in 2007. She highlighted his 21 years of military service and noted that he was on the verge of promotion to staff sergeant before being dishonorably discharged. Oliver also mentioned that Russell is married and has a six-month-old child, emphasizing his personal circumstances.

Judge John Devaux delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Russell’s actions. He stated, “By the time she was aged 13, you had already left an imprint upon her. You had started to groom her. You told her she must not tell anyone what you and she were doing together.” The judge condemned Russell for abusing the girl over several years, from ages 13 to 15, and described him as a ‘sexual predator’ who targeted vulnerable females. As part of his sentence, Russell was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and disqualified from working with children. Additionally, a sexual offences prevention order was issued, prohibiting him from allowing any child into his residence unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Russell received concurrent prison sentences totaling five years, with six months, two years, two years, and four years for the separate charges of indecent assault, and five years each for the sexual activity with a child charges. All sentences will run simultaneously over a five-year period. The Ministry of Defence Police expressed satisfaction with the conviction, praising the bravery of the victims and the dedicated efforts of detectives in uncovering the full extent of Russell’s crimes. They emphasized that the case underscores the importance of holding offenders accountable, regardless of their military background.