A well-known horse-riding instructor stands accused of recording the sexual abuse of a young girl, as disturbing allegations emerged during an ongoing trial at Cardiff Crown Court. Guy Simmonds, 37, operated a riding school in Undy, Monmouthshire, and now faces six charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child. Alongside him in the dock is Lauren Jarvis, a showjumper, who denies a single count related to the same alleged victim.
The prosecution alleges that Simmonds knowingly abused the underage girl on several occasions, exploiting his trusted position as an instructor. It is argued that on multiple instances he lured the girl into a horsebox, where the alleged abuse took place. James Hartson, prosecuting, described the events as culminating in what he referred to as a “so-called threesome” involving both defendants and the girl in question.
Evidence presented to the court included a video of the girl’s police interview, in which she detailed how initial sexual contact with Simmonds occurred under implied consent, but subsequent encounters took on a routine and expected nature. “He would just sort of expect me to follow him,” she told officers, describing an atmosphere of intimidation and fear, with her emotions clearly visible on her face during the encounters.
The court heard distressing claims that after the first incident, the girl felt unable to refuse further advances. She described witnessing Simmonds’ aggression towards horses, which contributed to her concerns for her own safety. The victim also recounted a moment during the abuse when Simmonds allegedly recorded the assault on his phone, displaying a “smirk” as he did so. “He was having sex with me but obviously videoing at the same time,” she stated.
Additional testimony outlined how Simmonds, during the incidents, would call the girl derogatory names and ignored her for lengthy periods afterward. Facing cross-examination via video link, she responded to suggestions from Simmonds’ defence barrister, James Doyle, that she had fabricated her claims out of jealousy and frustration regarding Simmonds’ alleged relationships with other women. Mr Doyle cited social media messages sent by the girl after the events, highlighting friendly emojis and continued communication, to which the witness replied firmly that her accusations were truthful and not motivated by envy.
The prosecution argued that the core of the case revolved around the legal definition of sexual activity with a child, emphasising the protective nature of such offences designed to shield minors from exploitation. Mr Hartson asserted there were “clear elements of grooming” in communications between the defendants, further suggesting that Simmonds and Jarvis attempted to orchestrate a “pact of silence” regarding the events.
Text messages between the parties, which formed part of the evidence, indicated a pattern of alleged planning and coordination. The girl claimed that Simmonds warned her to keep silent and on several occasions initiated sexual activity without using protection, which added to her anxiety about the situation and its potential consequences.
The defence for Simmonds maintained that, although he had a consensual sexual relationship with Jarvis, he denied any improper contact with the schoolgirl. Jarvis, for her part, rejected suggestions that any sexual activity involving the girl took place, characterising any incriminating messages as “banter” or an attempted “wind up”. She did, however, admit to a sexual relationship with Simmonds.
Both Simmonds, of Acacia Avenue in Undy, and Jarvis, of Allt-yr-Yn Court, Newport, deny all charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child. The court proceedings, presided over by Her Honour Judge Lucy Crowther, are set to continue as the jury examines the conflicting accounts and considers the substantial evidence put forward by both sides.
The case has drawn public attention throughout Monmouthshire and beyond, highlighting the ongoing importance of safeguarding young people in environments where adults hold positions of trust. The court’s verdict is awaited as the trial progresses, with further testimony and evidence expected in the days ahead.