Ex-Cadet Leader Jailed for Sexual Abuse of Two Girls
Simon Taplin, 64, a former cadets leader from Lavant, has been locked up for four and a half years for historic sexual offences against two young girls. The sentence was handed down at Portsmouth Crown Court on 3 June.
Guilty of Indecent Assault, Denied Other Charges
Taplin was found guilty on 20 February of two counts of indecently assaulting a girl under 16. He faced five further sexual assault charges but was acquitted on those by the jury.
Abuse Spanned Several Years in the 1990s
The investigation kicked off in September 2020 after Sussex Police received a third-party report accusing Taplin of abusing a girl he met through the cadets. The abuse began in 1996 and continued for four years while Taplin exploited his position of authority.
Another brave woman later came forward, revealing she was also sexually assaulted by Taplin at a cadet event during her teenage years.
Life on Sex Offenders Register & Police Praise Victims’ Courage
Alongside his jail term, Taplin has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
“I would like to express my gratitude for the bravery of the victims who came forward and gave evidence to police and in court,” said Detective Constable Jason Berney of the Safeguarding Investigations Unit. “This bravery has secured Taplin’s sentence. A man who abused his power to take advantage of girls is now behind bars.
“I hope that any victims of sexual abuse are encouraged to come forward to report any crime or wrongdoing. We will investigate, no matter how long ago it was.”
