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Youth rugby coach charged with sexual assault and voyeurism

David Simmons has appeared at Southwark Crown Court

Posted on 15 June 2017

26-year-old youth rugby coach David Simmons has appeared at Southwark Crown Court charged with 17 sex offences.  The charges follow a year-long investigation by the Metropolitan Police, Operation Fitzrovia, which is investigating alleged sexual offences and child exploitation.

Simmons has admitted charges which include two counts of sexual assault on a male under 13, and one of sexual activity with a child.  

The offences took place at a West London rugby club where he was in charge of young player development between July 2014 and September 2015. Simmons also ran holiday rugby courses.

Simmons has been released on bail and is due to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court.

Abuse lawyer at Leigh Day, Alison Millar, said:

“The charges Simmons has admitted to relate to sexual assaults and other offences that took place in the last three years.  This shows that sexual abuse by those placed in a position of trust and responsibility for children is very much not a historic crime.  

“A legal duty to report suspicions of abuse should be imposed on those working in regulated activities, including in the sports and recreation sector, to strengthen our culture of safeguarding by making it a clear duty to report concerns.”

Anyone who is affected by this story should contact the police, or charities for victims of abuse such as NAPAC.