A horse-riding instructor currently on trial at Cardiff Crown Court has denied all charges of sexually abusing an underage girl, arguing that the allegations were motivated by personal animosity rather than any criminal activity. Guy Simmonds, 37, from Undy, Monmouthshire, stands accused of six counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child. He firmly denies all allegations and is maintaining his innocence before the jury.
According to the prosecution, Simmonds allegedly abused the girl on multiple occasions, primarily in a horse box, taking advantage of times when his partner was away. These alleged incidents are said to have continued over an extended period, culminating in an episode where Simmonds allegedly participated in sexual activity with both the complainant and a co-defendant, showjumper Lauren Jarvis.
James Hartson, prosecuting, informed the jury that the offences in question centre around charges designed to shield children from exploitation. He emphasised that the trial was not dealing with claims of rape or sexual assault as such, but with acts of sexual activity involving a minor—acts which are criminalised specifically to protect vulnerable young people from adults and, he argued, from themselves.
The prosecution outlined that the series of alleged offences purportedly ended with what was described in court as a threesome involving Simmonds, Jarvis and the underage complainant. It was further claimed that Ms Jarvis willingly took part and was aware of the complainant’s age at the time. As the case continues, Ms Jarvis also faces one count of the same offence and denies any wrongdoing.
During his testimony, Simmonds was questioned by his barrister, James Doyle, about text messages exchanged between himself and Jarvis. In one text read out in court, Simmonds expressed concern that the complainant “has said about us,” urging Jarvis to maintain silence regarding what may have transpired. Jarvis responded in agreement. Simmonds explained to the jury that his instruction not to disclose details was purely born out of a desire to keep his infidelity secret from his partner, with whom he claimed to have an arrangement that private relationships outside the partnership would be overlooked as long as they remained secret.
The defence also sought to highlight Simmonds’ history of bipolar disorder, with the instructor reportedly taking medication for 15 years. Simmonds asserted that, when deprived of his prescribed medication, he experienced dizziness, confusion, and increased disorientation, which may have contributed to inconsistencies during his police interview.
Under cross-examination, both Simmonds and Jarvis insisted that any sexual activity occurred solely between themselves in a bedroom, while the complainant was elsewhere in the same property. They flatly denied the accusation that there had ever been any form of sexual encounter involving the complainant.
Reflecting on his experience with the criminal process, Simmonds described feeling overwhelmed by police questioning, brought about by stress, a lack of sleep, and his ongoing mental health struggles. He claimed that he failed to recall aspects of his police interview due to these pressures until prompted by reviewing transcripts.
Finally, when pressed directly by his barrister, Simmonds firmly denied ever sexually abusing or assaulting the complainant, stating, “No, never.” He repeated that there had been no sexual contact either in the lorry or at any other location, countering the prosecution’s allegations. Simmonds attributed the allegations to a personal falling out, suggesting that the complainant had fabricated the claims out of frustration with him.
The case remains ongoing. The court is expected to hear further testimony before reaching a verdict in this sensitive and high-profile trial.