Man jailed for 14 years for sexual offences against women and children

A man has been jailed for 14 years for multiple sexual offences against women and children.

Simon Arden appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 17 April where he was handed the sentence.

The 41-year-old, of Macclesfield, had previously been found guilty of multiple offences. 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.

In April 2024, police received reports of rape and sexual assault committed by Arden between 2011 and 2021 against multiple victims. A woman told police she had been sexually assaulted by Arden multiple times when she was a child. He also exposed himself in front of her and engaged in sexual activity in her presence.

Further victims also spoke to police. Another woman told officers Arden had raped her in 2013. He had also sexually assaulted her and exposed himself to her. A further victim disclosed Arden had exposed himself to her in 2016. Meanwhile, a teenager told police she had also been sexually assaulted by Arden as a child in 2021.

Arden was subsequently arrested and later charged in relation to the offences. He was found guilty on Friday 21 February following a two-week trial at Chester Crown Court.

On top of the custodial sentence, Arden has also been issued with indefinite restraining orders against the victims and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

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.

“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."

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse – no matter how long ago the incident took place – is urged to come forward and report it to Cheshire Police on 101 or through our website.

Pictured - Simon Arden from Macclesfield.