Simon Ross, 59, of The Parade, High Street, established an internet friendship with two 13-year-old girls, thereafter exploiting them for his sexual enjoyment and compensating them for sexual encounters.
The initial encounter occurred in an online chatroom, subsequently transitioning to talks on Snapchat, as presented in St Albans Crown Court. Upon their in-person meetings at his residence and various locations in town, Simon Ross would procure vapes and beer for them while broaching the subject of compensating them for sexual services.
The events occurred between 1 July and 17 August 2022, and he was charged on 11 September 2023 after an inquiry by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Child Sexual Exploitation Team.
Simon Ross refuted seven charges of soliciting sexual services from a minor and two charges of facilitating the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Simon Ross was found guilty on all charges and sentenced to a cumulative five years of imprisonment on Friday, 29 November, and is now under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
He pleaded guilty to one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image.
Detective Constable Jemma Warburton, from the Child Sexual Exploitation Team, said: “Simon Ross exploited two young girls and preyed on their innocence. He was 56 at the time of the incidents and should have known better.
“This sort of crime will never be tolerated and we hope this sentence allows the victims to move on and rebuild their lives.
“I’m pleased Simon Ross is now behind bars where he can no longer harm anyone else.
“Becoming a victim of sexual offences 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.”
Meanwhile, the Halo team specifically investigates child sexual exploitation. It proactively targets and disrupts those who are sexually exploiting young people and works with intelligence teams to safeguard those most at risk and bring perpetrators to justice.
If you suspect a person of carrying out child sexual exploitation, or think someone you know has been a victim, or may be soon, visit our How to report possible child abuse web page or call our non-emergency number, 101. If someone is in immediate danger of harm, please call 999.
UPDATE: 30.12.24
A Watford Paedophile Simon Ross has been sentenced to five years in prison for establishing friendships with 13-year-old girls on Snapchat and compensating them for sexual encounters.
St Albans Crown Court was informed that Simon Ross, 59, encountered the females in an internet chatroom before transitioning their discussions to Snapchat and using them for his sexual enjoyment.
During their in-person encounters at his residence and several locations in town, between July 1 and August 17, 2022, Ross purchased vapes and beer for them while discussing compensation for sexual services.
On September 11 of that year, he was charged with seven charges of soliciting sexual services from a minor and two counts of facilitating the sexual exploitation of a minor, which he denied.
Simon Ross, residing on The Parade, High Street, was found guilty of all charges prior to receiving a prison sentence on Friday, November 29, and is now subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He admitted guilt to one charge of possessing an extreme pornographic photograph.
Detective Constable Jemma Warburton stated: “Simon Ross exploited two young girls and preyed upon their innocence.” At the time of the incidents, he was 56 years old and ought to have exercised better judgement.
This type of crime will not be condoned, and we hope this punishment enables the victims to progress and reconstruct their lives.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.