**Horse Riding Instructor and Co-Defendant Accused of Sexual Offences Involving Underage Girl, Cardiff Court Told**
A man and woman are on trial at Cardiff Crown Court amid allegations of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged under 16, including a threesome, the court has heard. The defendants, Guy Simmonds, a 37-year-old horse riding instructor, and Lauren Jarvis, 26, have both denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.
On Monday, the trial began with the empanelling of a jury, who were presented with an overview of the case by prosecuting barrister James Hartson. The prosecution outlined six charges against Simmonds, which relate to both penetrative and non-penetrative sexual acts, and a separate count of non-penetrative sexual activity against Jarvis. The nature of the allegations is such that they involve incidents said to have taken place on multiple occasions, leading up to early 2024.
Mr Hartson told the jury that Simmonds had first become acquainted with the alleged victim when she was below the legal age of consent. After establishing contact, Simmonds subsequently introduced her to Jarvis, with whom he is alleged to have engaged in group sexual activity involving the girl. The court was told that both defendants were fully aware of the girl’s age at the time all incidents allegedly took place. Hartson asserted, “At all stages, both Simmonds and Jarvis understood how old the girl was. She herself had made her age clear in their early communications.”
Text messages between Simmonds and Jarvis were disclosed in court, forming a key strand of the prosecution’s case. According to Mr Hartson, these messages show the pair attempting to maintain secrecy after receiving information that their illicit conduct may have been revealed. In one exchange, Simmonds expressed concerns: “Hey, I have a feeling that [name of alleged victim] has said about us. If anyone asks for sake of both of us nothing ever happened that night xx.” Jarvis responded in agreement, writing: “Hey, who’s she told? Oh god has she really, what’s she trying to do, make our lives hell? Of course I will xx.”
Further testimony described how Simmonds allegedly used time alone with the girl at the riding stables to initiate physical contact, at times in a horsebox. Jurors heard that, in the absence of Simmonds’ then-girlfriend, these encounters reportedly became a regular occurrence, taking place every few days.
The prosecution went on to allege that the last incident occurred in January 2024, when all three parties reportedly participated in a sexual encounter at Jarvis’s home. Mr Hartson argued that Jarvis “willingly” took part in the event. The exchanges between the defendants included messages in which Simmonds asks Jarvis when a joint meeting could occur and she replies that it is “absolutely fine”. There is also reference to Simmonds asking if the girl had arrived, apparently indicating his desire to avoid coinciding with the arrival of the girl’s mother.
Court documents further revealed messages from the girl to Simmonds, discussing a threesome and asking what was expected of her. Simmonds allegedly replied, “You will both do what daddy says,” language which the prosecution presented as indicative of a manipulative dynamic.
It is important to note that both defendants, Simmonds of Acacia Avenue, Undy, and Jarvis of Allt-Yr-Yn Court, Newport, maintain their innocence and deny all accusations related to sexual activity with a minor.
The trial continues as the jury is expected to hear further evidence and testimony from both prosecution and defence in the coming days. As with all ongoing cases, Simmonds and Jarvis are presumed innocent unless and until proven otherwise in a court of law.
This case highlights the significant legal and ethical issues surrounding relationships where children are involved, especially those in positions of responsibility or authority, such as riding instructors. The proceedings have attracted substantial public interest, with the trial set to continue this week at Cardiff Crown Court.