Man Jailed for Sexual Assault and Possession of Child Abuse Material

A man has been jailed after being convicted of sexually assaulting a child and possessing indecent images of children, Sussex Police have confirmed. The offender, 37-year-old Michael Simmonds, of no fixed address, came to the attention of police in June 2025 after a 13-year-old boy reported being sexually assaulted in woodland. The victim reported the […]

A man has been jailed after being convicted of sexually assaulting a child and possessing indecent images of children, Sussex Police have confirmed.

The offender, 37-year-old Michael Simmonds, of no fixed address, came to the attention of police in June 2025 after a 13-year-old boy reported being sexually assaulted in woodland. The victim reported the incident promptly, allowing officers to act quickly and identify the suspect.

Simmonds was arrested shortly afterwards and his mobile phone was seized as part of the investigation. A forensic examination of the device uncovered multiple images of child abuse material, including Category A and Category B images, which represent the most serious classifications under UK law.

He was charged with sexual assault on 30 June 2025 and was initially released on bail, subject to a Sexual Risk Order. The order placed strict restrictions on his use of technology and access to online platforms. However, police later found that Simmonds repeatedly breached these conditions by accessing prohibited apps and websites.

Further breaches followed, including violations of his bail conditions, which resulted in him being remanded in custody. Additional charges were brought as a result of his continued non-compliance with court orders.

Simmonds appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to all offences on 18 November 2025. He was subsequently sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 19 January 2026 to a total of three years and two months in prison.

In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting ten years. The order is designed to manage the ongoing risk he poses and places further restrictions on his behaviour following release.

Detective Sergeant Melanie Pyle praised the bravery of the victim for coming forward, stating that the prompt report enabled officers to take swift action and prevent further harm. Sussex Police reiterated their commitment to supporting victims of sexual offences and encouraged anyone affected by similar crimes to report them.