Man looking to clear his name readies for Court

Wednesday 06 November 2019

A number of locals have come forward to help a man looking to clear his name for a crime he was convicted of over 30 years ago.

Nigel Simon, now 50, is looking to finally get justice and prove his innocence over the vandalism of the Castel Church Cemetery in 1985.

Mr Simon was arrested for the damages, which is adamant he had nothing to do with, and was sentenced to time in Borstal after a friend of his told the police he had done it so that friend could go free. 

Toward the end of last month, Mr Simon made an impassioned plea to the people of Guernsey, asking if anyone knew anything about what might have really happened, and he has been very grateful for the response he received. 

Now, Mr Simon is waiting to progress the matter in Court, and appeal his conviction. 

"I have got a lawyer ready in Guernsey, I just need to see if Dorest Police is going to investigate the matter externally, and then I am hoping to get back in to the Guernsey Courts," he said.

"I have had a number of people speak to me, all pointing back to one thing."

Speaking to Express when making his appeal, Mr Simon said he felt he had been picked up by Guernsey Police because they knew of him for a number of petty thefts and he lived near the cemetery. But he argued it was clear from reading old newspaper cuttings that the damage couldn't have been caused by just one person, yet he had it all pinned on him in Court. 

Mr Simon is still seeking information about what might have happened to help him build his case to clear his name. To contact him, go to his Facebook page. 

Pictured top: In 1985 it was suddenly reported that the Castel Church Yard Cemetery had been vandalised, with grave stones thrown around and tombs smashed.