Man jailed for non-recent rape and sexual assault

A Stevenage man has been sentenced to eight years in prison in connection with non-recent rape and sexual assault offences.

Following an investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Non-Recent Sexual Offences Investigation Team, James Simpson, aged 38, of Colts Corner, was charged with three counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault by penetration in 2022.

The incidents occurred between January 2015 and December 2019.

On the first day of his trial, Simpson pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault by penetration having pleaded not guilty to all counts at a previous hearing.

After a nine-day trial at St Albans Crown Court, he was subsequently convicted of one count of rape and acquitted on all further charges.

Simpson was jailed on Thursday 25 May and will have to serve at least two thirds of his sentence.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register until a further order is made, while a 10-year restraining order was also placed on him preventing any contact with the victim.

Detective Constable Sam Hunt, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to praise the victim for her courage in coming forward and for the dignity she has shown throughout the trial. I hope this court result will give her some closure and allow her to move forward with her life.”

Becoming a victim of sexual assault is never your fault. If you’ve been a victim, no matter how long ago the offence occurred, please report it. We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation. The constabulary also has a number of officers who are specially trained to provide support to members of the LGBT+ community.

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support. The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them. This service is open to everyone – men, women and young people, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

To contact Herts SARC, call the 24/7 helpline on 0808 178 4448, email them at [email protected] or visit their website (opens in a new window).