Brave Sheffield girl, 13, faced court cross examination to help jail man who sexually attacked her

Bradley Simpkins, aged 21, of Arbourthorne Road, Arbourthorne, was jailed for five years this week for two sex attacks in Sheffield over the space of a few days last April.

One of his victims, who he targeted in a gennel near to Gleadless Road, Gleadless Valley, as she was walking home from school, was just 13 years old.

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The teenager was speaking on her mobile phone to a relative when she was attacked, with a horrified relative able to hear her screams for help.

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In the struggle, the youngster managed to activate a security alarm on her phone, which startled Simpkins, causing him to run off.

Days earlier, an 18-year-old woman was attacked as she made her way to work.

She was pulled to the ground and had part of her clothing ripped off as she was on her way to catch a bus near to Gleadless Common Fields, Gleadless.

As the young woman tried to fight him off, something distracted Simpkins and he fled.

Detective Constable Claire Franklin, investigating officer, said: “I know anyone reading this will feel a shiver run down their spine. To target young women in this way is horrifying to all of us and he has quite rightly received a significant sentence.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the victims and witnesses in this case, who have unfalteringly supported our investigation and been prepared to attend court to see Simpkins brought to justice.

“They have all demonstrated great bravery. I must pay particular tribute to his 13-year-old victim, who was courageous enough to face cross-examination in court.

“Simpkins is now behind bars, which is where he should be and I hope the wider community is satisfied and reassured by the outcome.”

Simpkins, who pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, was jailed for five years and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.