Former Police Officer Accused of Child Assault Found Dead Before Court Appearance
A former police officer from Devon and Cornwall, who was facing serious allegations of indecent assault against children, has been found dead at his residence. Simon Knott, aged 57, was scheduled to appear in court to answer multiple charges spanning over two decades.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Simon Knott faced a total of four charges related to incidents between 1990 and 2013. The allegations included one count of indecent assault on a girl under 16, one count of indecent assault on a girl over 16, one count of indecent assault on a girl under 14, and one count of sexual assault on a female. These reported offences were disclosed to Devon and Cornwall Police in 2024, leading to his summons to court.
He was initially due to appear at Newton Abbot Magistrates' Court on March 19, 2026. However, his case was removed from the list on March 18. It was then rescheduled to be heard at Taunton Magistrates' Court in Somerset on March 23, to allow the Crown Prosecution Service to conduct further inquiries.
Discovery of Death and Investigation
On the morning of Tuesday, March 17, police were alerted to a welfare concern for a man in his 50s at a property in Ogwell, Newton Abbot. Officers attended the scene and discovered the body of a man. Paramedics from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust were dispatched, but the man was declared dead at the location.
Authorities have stated that the death is not being treated as suspicious. A file is being prepared for the coroner to investigate the circumstances further. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that Simon Knott was found deceased at his home on Rowan Close in Newton Abbot.
Discontinuation of the Case
At the hearing in Taunton on Monday, March 23, the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew the case against Simon Knott. The court file noted that the defendant was now deceased, leading to the discontinuation of all proceedings. This decision was made in accordance with legal protocols following his death.
Devon and Cornwall Police emphasized that the charges were related to reported incidents that occurred while Knott was off-duty and were not believed to be linked to his policing role. The force has notified the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to prior police contact with Knott, as required by statutory responsibilities.
Background and Career
Simon Knott served as a police officer with Devon and Cornwall Police from 1989 until his retirement in 2018. During his career, he was stationed at various locations including Charles Cross and Crownhill in Plymouth, as well as Camborne, Newquay, Torquay, Chudleigh, and Redruth. His long tenure in law enforcement adds a layer of complexity to the allegations and the subsequent investigation.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the charges and Knott's former role in the police force. The discontinuation of the case following his death means that the allegations will not be adjudicated in court, leaving many questions unanswered for the victims and the community.
