Simon Christopher Collins

A Chippenham man, Simon Christopher Collins, aged 58, has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for his involvement in a paedophile ring that operated in Wiltshire. The case, investigated by Scotland Yard's paedophile unit, uncovered a network of individuals who abused children at a remote farm owned by one of the members.

Collins was convicted at Reading Crown Court on 21 February 2013 for arranging the commission of a child sex offence, aiding or abetting a woman to allow bestiality, making indecent images, and possessing extreme pornography. This sentencing marks him as one of the latest members of the ring to face justice, following an extensive investigation spanning multiple police force areas.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh of the Metropolitan Police commented on the complexity of the probe, stating: "This has been a very complex investigation, covering several police force areas. Today's convictions demonstrate the commitment of the Met's paedophile unit to use all audacious and lawful tactics to capture the most dangerous sex offenders and protect the most vulnerable." He further noted that the group were members of a paedophile ring and urged potential victims to come forward, believing additional offences may have been committed.

The ring's activities included the possession and distribution of indecent images of children, with abuse occurring at a farm in Wiltshire. Prior to Collins' sentencing, four other men—Simon Wyn-Davies from Windsor, retired farmer Nicholas Cordery from Wiltshire, charity worker Peter Malpas from Northamptonshire, and IT trainer Anthony Flack from Bristol—had already received indefinite sentences for public protection for their roles in the network. Cordery's farm was a key location for some of the sex abuse carried out by the gang.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts to dismantle paedophile networks across the UK, with the convictions providing closure for victims and a strong message against such crimes.