Serial Rapist Patrick Simms Jailed for 9 Years Over 1987 Attack
Patrick Simms, 58, was found guilty of raping a girl under 16 at Wood Green Crown Court after a 14-day trial. On Thursday, 20 July, he was handed a nine-year sentence with an extended eight-year licence.
Simms must serve his sentence immediately and won’t be eligible for parole on his life sentence until two-thirds of this term is completed.
Already Behind Bars for Multiple Rapes
Simms is no stranger to jail. He is already serving a life sentence for raping three women in Hackney during the 1990s. The new conviction relates to a 1987 attack on a 15-year-old girl.
The victim bravely came forward in 2019, more than 30 years after the assault, to report the crime, despite fears she wouldn’t be believed and shame holding her back for decades.
Victim Speaks Out: ‘I Needed Justice for My Daughter’
“As my daughter was nearing 16 and with the #MeToo campaign raising awareness, I felt compelled to find this man who violated me,” the victim said. “I couldn’t bear the thought of him harming my daughter. He was a danger to women from a young age. I suffered deeply, but now justice has been served and I have closure.”
Police Praise Courage and Warn Others to Come Forward
Detective Sergeant Matthew Cooksey, who led the investigation, said: “Simms is a prolific offender. He tried to manipulate the trial, but the jury saw through it and found him guilty unanimously.”
“We thank the victim for her courage and urge others who’ve suffered similar abuse to come forward, no matter how long ago it happened.”
PC Daniel Swindells added: “Reporting such crimes is traumatic, but specialist officers support victims fully. We’re committed to bringing offenders to justice.”
Judge Lucas Issues Stark Warning
Judge Lucas described Simms as “extremely dangerous” and warned he poses a continuing threat to women. He explained that although the court lacked power to impose a second life sentence for the 1987 rape, if he could, he would.
“Since this attack, Simms committed ever more serious rapes halted only by his life sentence,” said the judge. “He remains a serious ongoing danger to women.”
He also thanked the prosecution team for their work on this difficult case.
