His sick crimes were hidden until brave victims came forward one by one

For 10 years Simon Arden targeted innocent girls and women

13:08, 25 Apr 2025

Simon Arden has been jailed(Image: Cheshire Police)

A pervert has been jailed after abusing multiple innocent girls and women over a 10-year period.

Simon Arden's sick crimes came to light when one of his victims bravely came forward to police years after the abuse had ended, before others followed.

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Cheshire Police began an investigation into the 41-year-old, from Macclesfield, last April.

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The force received multiple reports of rape and sexual assault carried out by Arden against different victims, at various points between 2011 and 2021.

One woman told police she had been sexually assaulted by Arden multiple times when she was a child, with the offender also exposing himself and engaging in sexual activity in her presence.

Further victims then spoke to police. One woman told officers that Arden had raped her, sexually assaulted her and exposed himself to her, while another reported him exposing himself to her.

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A teenager also told police that she had also been sexually assaulted by Arden as a younger child.

Arden, of no fixed address, was arrested and later charged in relation to multiple offences.

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These included rape, sexual assault, exposure, sexual assault of a child under 13, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He was found guilty on Friday, February 21, following a two-week trial at Chester Crown Court, before being sentenced last Thursday (April 17).

Arden was jailed for 14 years and issued with indefinite restraining orders against the victims. He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

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Where to go if you've been affected by rape or sexual assault

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live, or have been sexually assaulted, within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182 for help.

- Always call 999 in an emergency

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Brett Oliver said: "Arden’s 14-year prison sentence reflects the severity of his crimes, and highlights that he is a sexual predator, thinking only about his own twisted desires and not the impact and the hurt caused to his victims.

"I would like to thank the victims in this case for speaking to police about what happened to them. It is thanks to their bravery and evidence that this dangerous individual is now behind bars, where he cannot subject anyone else to these crimes.

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"We treat all reports of sexual offences seriously, with the wishes and needs of the victims as our main priority, and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated."