**Horse Riding Instructor and Partner Stand Trial Over Allegations of Sexual Activity With Schoolgirl**
A respected horse riding instructor and his partner are on trial at Cardiff Crown Court accused of grooming and sexually abusing a school-age girl, allegations both defendants firmly deny. The court proceedings have drawn considerable attention due to the nature of the accusations and the involvement of both adults.
Guy Simmonds, 37, and Lauren Jarvis, 26, face allegations relating to their relationships with the complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons. Prosecutors allege that Simmonds initiated and engaged in sexual activity with a girl under 16 on multiple occasions, exploiting his position as an instructor. Jarvis is accused of participating in one such incident. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
James Hartson, prosecuting, addressed the jury by stating that this case is not about rape or sexual assault in the conventional sense, but about engaging in sexual acts with a child—an offence designed explicitly to protect young people from exploitation by adults. Hartson asserted that Simmonds repeatedly touched and later had sex with the girl, entirely aware of her age, often during periods when his partner was away.
The prosecution claims that the alleged offending reached its peak in an incident involving all three individuals, during which both defendants are accused of having sexual contact with the teenager. Hartson described this as a “so-called threesome” in which Jarvis, too, is alleged to have touched the girl sexually, participating of her own accord. The barrister also said there is evidence of “clear elements of grooming,” pointing to a series of text messages between Simmonds and Jarvis which allegedly indicate planning and a subsequent agreement to keep the events secret.
Simmonds has told the court that there was never any inappropriate contact with the schoolgirl and asserted that the accusations are entirely fabricated. He concedes to the sexual relationship with Jarvis, but emphatically denies any sexual involvement with the complainant. Jarvis, for her part, maintains that nothing untoward involving the girl ever took place. She claims the incriminating text messages were mere banter and not to be taken seriously. Nonetheless, she does not dispute her relationship with Simmonds.
The trial’s first major piece of evidence came in the form of a prerecorded police interview with the complainant. Detailing her early impressions, the young girl said she initially thought Simmonds was friendly and admired his claimed status as a “top showjumper”. According to her testimony, it was only a matter of weeks before he began to behave inappropriately, touching her and subsequently escalating his actions.
The complainant described feeling pressured and fearful, suggesting Simmonds’ behaviour quickly took on a more aggressive tone. She recounted how, after telling her to keep their encounters secret, he proceeded to have sex with her on several occasions—without protection—leaving her concerned for her well-being.
Specifically referencing the incident involving all three, the girl alleged that Simmonds directed both her and Jarvis to interact sexually. She told the court that Jarvis was aware of her age, even warning Simmonds to “be careful” because of it. The complainant recounted feeling trapped and unsure how to respond to the adult’s advances and instructions.
Both Simmonds, of Undy, Monmouthshire, and Jarvis, of Newport, continue to deny engaging in any unlawful sexual activity with the complainant. As the trial continues before Judge Lucy Crowther, further evidence and testimony are expected to emerge that will help determine the truth behind these serious allegations.
This case highlights ongoing concerns around safeguarding young people and the trust placed in adults who hold positions of authority. The court will be tasked with weighing the credibility of evidence and witness statements as it works toward an outcome that upholds justice and child protection.
The trial is ongoing, and further developments are anticipated over the coming days.