Former cadet leader jailed for child sex abuse

Simon Taplin's sexual attacks began in 1996

A former cadet leader from West Sussex has been jailed for sexual offences against two girls.

Simon Taplin, of Springfield Close in Lavant, sexually abused his first victim in 1996 and did so numerous times over the next four years.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard how Taplin used his position of power to take advantage of and sexually assault another victim during a cadet event.

Taplin was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison at a hearing on Monday. He was also put on the sex offenders register for life.

The 64-year-old was charged with four counts of indecent assault of a person under the age of 16 and three counts of rape.

A jury found Taplin guilty of two counts of indecent assault of a person under the age of 16. He was found not guilty of the remaining five charges.

Det Con Jason Berney, of Sussex Police’s safeguarding investigations unit, said: “I would like to express my gratitude for the bravery of the victims who came forward and gave evidence to police and in court.

“This bravery has secured Taplin’s sentence and it means a man who abused his power to take advantage of girls is now behind bars.

“I hope that any victims of sexual abuse are encouraged to come forward to report any crime or wrongdoing. We will investigate, no matter how long ago it was.”

Taplin’s victims cannot be named for legal reasons.