A predator described as 'evil' by his victims has been jailed for nearly two decades following a lengthy campaign of child sexual abuse in Warrington. Graham Simcock, aged 59, targeted multiple children as an adult, subjecting them to 145 separate incidents of historic sex offences. The abuse, which occurred decades ago, involved acts such as indecent assault, gross indecency, and attempted rape, some of which would be classified as rape under current laws.
The facts of the case were outlined at Chester Crown Court by prosecutor Myles Wilson, who detailed how Simcock 'systematically' abused the victims. One victim recounted waking to find Simcock performing a sexual act on them while asleep, after which he reassured them it was 'only a dream' and bribed them with sweets and money to remain silent. His behaviour escalated, growing bolder as he pursued his 'fetishes', showing the victims pornography while touching them inappropriately and demanding reciprocation. Simcock would warn the children that disclosing the abuse would implicate them as much as him, instilling fear and powerlessness.
During one particularly horrific incident, a victim fled the room in tears, prompting Simcock to laugh, apologise briefly, and then repeat the act. He dismissed the abuse as 'just a bit of fun' and told victims to 'relax'. Gifts were exchanged for sexual activity, and when victims attempted to report the abuse to other adults, their disclosures were often dismissed or swept under the carpet, with one adult demanding 'evidence' and becoming angry. The court heard that the abuse caused severe psychological harm, including self-harm, flashbacks, sleepless nights, and long-term mental and physical trauma among the victims.
Simcock, who has no previous convictions, was arrested in May 2022 but provided 'no comment' answers during his police interview. He admitted 28 counts of sexual offences against children at a previous hearing. Victims bravely attended the sentencing in person with their families, delivering impact statements that highlighted the devastating effects. One victim wrote: 'When I started to understand what was happening, I felt completely powerless to stop it... I felt worthless and that no one would do anything to stop it.' Another described feeling 'destroyed mentally and physically', calling Simcock 'evil, selfish and controlling' and stating he used them for his 'historic, disgusting sexual desires'.
In mitigation, defence barrister Jonathan Duffy conveyed Simcock's acceptance of his wrongdoing and his apology to the victims, noting his client's intellectual and learning difficulties but emphasising no excuses. Judge Simon Berkson described the abuse as 'persistent, horrific and cruel' with a 'depraved and perverted theme', noting the significant age disparity and grooming involved. He hoped the guilty pleas and sentencing would allow victims to move forward.
The case was reported by the Warrington Guardian, with details from the Chester Crown Court proceedings.