A WEST Wiltshire man has admitted raping a girl during a nine month campaign of sexual abuse.

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court on Friday morning via video link from Bristol prison, Luke Simpson, 33, of Atworth, near Melksham, pleaded guilty to rape of a child under 13, oral rape of a child, sexual assault of a child under 13 by penetration and sexual assault by touching. The crimes were committed between January and October 2020.

Judge Peter Crabtree ordered psychological and pre-sentence reports, remanding Simpson in custody to be sentenced on February 5. The judge told the probation service look at whether the defendant was “dangerous” and should receive an extended prison sentence.

Addressing members of the victim’s family sat in the public gallery, Simpson’s barrister Tabitha Macfarlane said: “Those reports are going in no way to reduce what is going to be a very lengthy prison sentence. I hope they realise none of this is for any ‘defence trickery’, if I can put it this way.”

Simpson, who appeared over the video link wearing an orange fluorescent jacket, spoke only to confirm his name and guilty pleas.

The Crown was represented at the hearing by Chris Smyth.