Roland Simmons, a former teacher, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being found guilty of serial sexual abuse at a children’s home. Westgate Chambers’s Greg Johnson represented the defendant, instructed by Cara Sells of Tuckers Solicitors Brighton.
Simmons, of Chartham, Kent, worked as a teacher at Guestling House, a residential home for disadvantaged and vulnerable children during the 1970s.
Four victims who resided in the property, and now in their sixties, recently stepped forward to report the abuse they faced as children while under Simmons’ care.
The 77-year-old denied all charges brought against him. However, he was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court for 10 charges of indecent assault towards a minor on Tuesday 21 April.
Catherine Wear, Senior Crown Prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service, said:
“Simmons was supposed to be caring for these boys, but instead he abused the trust placed in him, knowing that the boys would struggle to speak out and report what was happening to them.
“One victim woke to find Simmons abusing him. Simmons then claimed that he had been dreaming and everything was fine. Another victim described Simmons as “persistent” after he first abused him, saying that Simmons would ask him to go out in his car alone, but he kept refusing.
“The trauma of sexual abuse can stop victims from making complaints for many years, but these men had the courage to come forward and report what happened to them and by doing so, have ensured that Simmons has been brought to justice for his appalling crimes.”
If you are involved in a case involving any form of child abuse, please contact our clerks today to arrange an initial conference with one of our specialist criminal barristers.