Police released my abusive ex – hours later he burned down my house as I slept but that wasn't the biggest tragedy
WHEN Louise Simpson walks past the family home where she raised her son it isn't nostalgia that she feels but despair.
It was the sight of one of the most harrowing events of her life and one that saw Louise lose not only dozens of sentimental memories but also her beloved pet dog.
8
Louise Simpson was devastated when she lost her beloved dog Peggy in the house fire caused by her ex
Credit: Supplied
8
Adrian West was arrested hours earlier for smashing her doorbell camera with a rock but was released
Credit: SWNS
8
West burnt down the home where Louise had lived for decades and raised her son
Credit: SWNS
Her violent ex, Adrian West, who was caught attacking her home on her
West had subjected Louise to months of violent attacks including strangling, punching and kicking.
She finally kicked him out of her house in
Louise, 53, called the police and West spent a night in the cells before being released without charge the following day.
Read More on Real Lives
But later that day he returned to the property and started a fire in the porch which quickly engulfed the house.
Louise - who was taking a nap at the time - was woken by neighbours and scrambled to escape as her bedroom was filled with thick black smoke.
But her beloved
West has now been jailed for six years after pleading guilty to arson and a string of assaults on Louise.
Most read in Fabulous
She is now campaigning for a change in the law to consider companion animals as sentient beings rather than property as they are currently seen.
Reliving the arrest, Louise says: 'The police came out and arrested him.
Danielle Secker bravely shares her story of horrific domestic abuse
"I was sobbing, saying: 'Whatever happens, I just don't want him to be able to come near me again'. So he was kept in custody overnight.
'They called me about 10.45am the next morning and said that he was going to be released with no further action.
'I said: 'Well, what do I do? He's going to come back.' And they said they can't do anything unless he does something more.
"They genuinely seemed to be more worried about how abusive he'd been to the arresting officers the day before.'
Louise called police on September 13 last year when a drunk West tried to smash her door and Ring doorbell camera with a rock. She wouldn't open the door and called the police.
He was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and held overnight at a local police station.
Louise was told they could not take further action because she had not signed the witness statement she had provided.
She says: "At the time I didn't particularly want to get him in too much trouble, I thought he isn't getting any younger and all I wanted was for him to just leave me alone.
8
Horrifying before and after photos show the extent of the damage
Credit: SWNS
8
Louise was offered new accomodation but she is determined to return to her old home
Credit: SWNS
8
West has now been jailed for six years after pleading guilty to arson and a string of assaults on Louise
Credit: SWNS
"I asked the police that whatever happened could they please just warn him about coming back to my house again"
Fearing that West would return to her house the following day, she blocked the front door with a toolbox and stockpiled food for a few days.
She was 'shattered' and laid down for a nap. A heavy sleeper, she awoke at 3.16pm to her neighbours raising the alarm that her house was on fire.
For about four or five days, I couldn't eat. I just laid on the sofa
Louise Simpson
Fire forensics later told Louise they believe he used white spirit as an accelerant.
Three-year-old Peggy hid under the bed and was too heavy for Louise to drag her out.
"If she decided she wasn't going to move, you could not move her," Louise says.
"I was desperately trying, but I couldn't breathe, so I ran down the stairs.'
Louise was able to pull the toolbox out of the way but once outside she ran back in in a second attempt to rescue Peggy.
"I was trying to cover my mouth with my hands and putting my T-shirt over my mouth but because the smoke was so thick I couldn't breathe,' she says.
'My neighbours were all telling me to get out.'
Firefighters rescued Peggy from the house but were unable to resuscitate her.
Louise stayed with her son Connor, 28, after the fire.
Domestic abuse - how to get help
DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence.
Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:
Emotional abuse
- Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to
Threats and intimidation
- Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you
Physical abuse
- This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.
Sexual abuse
- Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.
If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:
on
0808 2000 247
for free at any time, day or night
Men who are being abused can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or
on
0182 3334 244
Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring
on
0800 999 5428
If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999
Remember, you are not alone.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
She says: 'For about four or five days, I couldn't eat. I just laid on the sofa. I didn't wash, didn't brush my teeth.
'I was just crying non-stop, I couldn't take it all in.'
She now stays between her Connor's house and a friend's in nearby Crawley.
The council offered her alternative accommodation but she would prefer to move back into her house once it is repaired in about a year.
She says: 'I've lived in that home for 28 years. I raised my son there. I've got good memories there as well.'
Her possessions suffered fire, smoke or water damage.
Peggy's life was given as much value as a bookcase
Louise Simpson
Louise lost personal photos, her mum's ashes, a hairbrush which had her mum's hair still in it, an elephant made for her by her daughter-in-law out of her mum's clothes and Connor's baby clothes she was saving for her grandchildren.
West, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court to arson with intent, criminal damage, non-fatal strangulation, common assault and two counts of actual bodily harm on May 2.
He was sentenced to six years and three months in jail.
Louise is upset that Peggy's death was not considered in the sentencing.
She wants offenders to be punished for killing companion animals like dogs and cats.
She adds: 'Peggy's life was given as much value as a bookcase.
'She was my absolute world.
'What I used to go through with him, she was the one constant that was there by my side; my best friend.'
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "West was arrested on 13 September 2024 on suspicion of criminal damage and spent the night in custody.
'He was released without charge as the victim did not wish to sign a statement at the time."
The Ministry of Justice says it has no plans to change the law.
To sign her petition, click
8
The mum is staying with her son Connor while she waits for repairs on her home
Credit: Supplied
8
Louise is fighting to change the law so animals are seen as sentient beings
Credit: Supplied
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Killer cop Wayne Couzens secretly whisked to NHS hospital for £17k back op sparking fury over ‘appalling waste of money'
KILLER cop Wayne Couzens was secretly whisked to an NHS hospital for a back op — costing taxpayers an estimated £17,000. The fiend, 52, who kidnapped, raped and murdered 7 Wayne Couzens was secretly whisked to an NHS hospital for a £17,000 back operation Credit: SWNS 7 The killer policeman was escorted from HMP Frankland in a bullet-proof van under a high-security escort Credit: PA 7 The revelation was slammed as a waste of public money amid concerns Couzens was allowed to jump the waiting list Credit: PA He underwent a lumbar procedure — also known as a spinal tap — which usually has an 18-week waiting time on the NHS. The cost of getting him in and out of HMP Frankland in Durham was estimated to be £10,000 alone - while the procedure can cost up to £7,000. The revelation was slammed as a waste of public money last night, amid concerns Couzens was allowed to jump the waiting list. Labour's North Durham MP Luke Akehurst said: 'I would be disgusted if it turns out that this vile rapist and murderer was able to jump the queue in front of decent law-abiding people to get his treatment. READ MORE ON WAYNE COUZENS He should not be given any special treatment in jail. He's in prison as punishment for his terrible crimes - nobody should forget that Robert Jenrick on Couzens 'The cost of the security surrounding his time in hospital is an appalling waste of public money.' Tory shadow Justice Minister 'He should not be given any special treatment in jail. He's in prison as punishment for his terrible crimes — nobody should forget that.' Couzens, who abused police powers to abduct Sarah, 33, in a fake Covid arrest before killing her in 2021, had the procedure this month. Most read in The Sun The nearest unit offering his op is the University Hospital of North Durham. A typical lumbar procedure sees medics sterilise the patient's back before delivering a local anaesthetic. Chilling moment Wayne Couzens moans 'I'm not in a good place' in shocking police interview after murdering Sarah Everard They then drain fluid with a syringe. Couzens is believed to have spent several days in hospital before being driven the three miles back to the Category A prison's healthcare unit. A source told how the operation was not an emergency and was carried out 'to make him comfortable'. They said: 'People are angry at how he was treated — and how much effort the authorities went to, as well as how much it cost. 'Couzens is constantly moaning in jail and had been complaining about back pain so was assessed in healthcare at the prison. 'The security operation to get him to and from the hospital would have easily run to more than £10,000. 'He was taken straight from his cell into a Category A van, which is bullet-proof with a custody manager and at least four prison officers. 'While he was at the hospital, armed police would have been on guard. Couzens was classed as a 'high-risk escort' — not because he poses a danger but because of the danger to him from the public. 7 Vile killer cop Couzens kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard in 2021 Credit: PA 'He is recognisable and reviled so they do not take chances. 'He would have been treated on a ward — but in his own room — to keep him away from people. The prison and NHS have a duty of care to him, like they do with everyone. 'But this was apparently not even an emergency procedure and was basically done to relieve pressure on him and make him comfortable.' Ex-prison governor Vanessa Frake, who ran London's notorious Wormwood Scrubs, said: 'Getting prisoners to operations like this is all down to risk. It would have taken a while to plan with the police and the hospital, assessing not only his safety, but the safety of prison staff, healthcare staff, other patients and the public. Couzens should be at the very bottom of the pecking order when it comes to NHS treatment Former Met detective Peter Bleksley 'It's not an unusual thing for prisoners to go out to hospital. This is more unusual because he is who he is, and that makes it much more difficult not only for the prison staff but the hospital staff as well. 'I understand people's concerns about it. But more than that, I think about Sarah Everard's family and how they must be feeling.' Sources said Couzens was 'reluctant' to move from the jail's hospital as he fears being attacked. 7 University Hospital of North Durham, where Couzens was treated Credit: Alamy We told in March 2022 how the former Met firearms officer had been allowed to buy an Xbox 360 as a reward for good behaviour. But he then moaned after being barred from playing violent games like Call of Duty and Gears of War. Couzens — handed a whole-life tariff because of his heinous crimes — is housed with other fiends including double child murderer Ian Huntley and morgue monster He has previously been on suicide watch and is regularly placed on ACCT — Assessment, Care in Custody, and Teamwork — programmes which involve close monitoring of vulnerable lags. Former Met detective Peter Bleksley said: 'Couzens should be at the very bottom of the pecking order when it comes to NHS treatment. 'It sticks in the craw when any killer like him is effectively whisked to the front of the queue. If anybody has had their procedures cancelled or even delayed so he can be treated, it is a scandal and an insult to the memory of Sarah.' The Prison Service would not comment on healthcare issues. 7 The vigil for Sarah Everard in 2021 Credit: Alamy 7 Kate Middleton seen here paying her respects as she turns up alone at the Sarah Everard memorial site on Clapham Common Credit: Enterprise CHANCES TO STOP KILLER By Sarah Ridley KILLER cop Wayne Couzens committed a catalogue of sex offences before murdering Sarah Everard in one of the most shocking crimes of the century. He should have been arrested as far back as 2015 — six years before killing Sarah in March 2021 — but Kent Police failed to investigate an indecent exposure incident, a watchdog ruled. It meant Couzens was able to join the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and then the Met in 2018. The rapist was then linked to two indecent exposures in November 2020 and February 2021, which police allegedly failed to investigate. He pleaded guilty to these charges in 2023. On the first occasion, he appeared naked in a rural lane in Deal, Kent, and exposed his genitals while on duty as a woman cycled past. The victim reported the incident to Kent Police. Couzens also exposed himself to staff at a McDonald's in Swanley, Kent, on February 14 and 27, 2021. He paid by card and was driving his own car, but it was not properly investigated. Just four days later, Couzens abducted Sarah before raping and strangling her. He was jailed for life at the Old Bailey in September 2021. In February last year, the Angiolini Inquiry ruled there were multiple missed chances to stop Couzens due to his history of offending.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
BBC star John Hunt reveals ‘I still talk to them every day' after murder of wife & two daughters in crossbow attack
BBC racing commentator John Hunt has spoken out for the first time since his wife and two daughters were murdered by a crossbow killer. In an emotional interview alongside his daughter Amy, John told how Louise, 25, Hannah, 28, and his wife Carol, 61, had left behind a "legacy of love". 3 John and his daughter Amy spoke out in an emotional interview 3 John with his two daughters Hannah, left and Louise, centre 3 Louise (left), Hannah and mum Carol were brutally murdered by Kyle Clifford Credit: Unpixs The BBC 5live star told how he still speaks to his girls and wife as soon as he wakes up everyday, almost a year on since their deaths. Speaking publicly for the first time, John explained that he did not want his loved ones to be defined by their deaths. In an interview with Victoria Derbyshire for the BBC, he said: "From the moment I wake up, I say good morning to each of them. "Sometimes I say out loud to Hannah and Louise, 'sorry I can't be with you, I'm with your mum at the moment'. Read more News "As I close my eyes at night, I chat to them as well. "They're very close to me all the time. was handed a whole-life order for the three murders, the false imprisonment and rape of Louise, and possession of a crossbow and knife. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Most read in The Sun is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Tube passenger, 23, who killed ‘gentle & kind' commuter, 28, with single punch after he brushed past him jailed for 8yrs
A TUBE passenger who killed a "gentle and kind" commuter with a single punch has been jailed for eight years. Rakeem Miles, 23, callously attacked Samuel Winter, 28, after he accidentally bumped into him on an escalator at Southwark underground station. 2 Rakeem Miles, 23, has been jailed for eight years after killing a tube passenger with a single punch Credit: SWNS 2 Samuel Winter, 28, was rushed to hospital with a critical brain injury, where he died two days later Credit: Unpixs The tragedy, on August 22, was sparked at around 9.30pm when both men were travelling eastbound on the Jubilee line. In a completely unprovoked assault, Miles followed Samuel through the barriers, grabbed him and ripped his top. The 23-year-old then knocked the AI engineer to the floor with one punch to the head. He cowardly ran from the scene, leaving Samuel collapsed on the stairs, before emergency services arrived. Read More Paramedics performed CPR and rushed the young man to hospital, where he was treated for a critical brain injury. He died two days later, surrounded by his family. British Transport Police officers located Miles by tracking his Oyster card and detained him at a shop near the station a day after the attack. Cops said Miles had given no thought to Samuel after the beating, "continuing on with his evening" as if nothing had happened. Most read in The Sun Miles, of East Street, Southwark, showed "no remorse" when he appeared at Inner London Crown Court. He denied but was convicted of manslaughter and Judge Benedict Kelleher sentenced him to eight years behind bars. Miles will also be subject to an extended licence period of five years. But the killer will be eligible for parole in less than five and a half years. In a heartbreaking tribute, the victim's family said: "Sam was a very much-loved son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew and friend. "We are devastated his life here has ended. He was a qualified physiotherapist, AI engineer and a volunteer with several charities. "His family and friends will remember him as gentle and kind, quick-witted and funny, with deep faith and an unendingly giving spirit." Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell added: "Though nothing can bring Samuel back, I hope today's sentencing allows his family some small measure of comfort as they continue to grieve for him. "Samuel's family described him as gentle and kind, and he will be sorely missed by all those who love him. "We reiterate our requests to give the family privacy at such a difficult time. "It only took one punch from Miles to end Samuel's life and forever change the lives of those around him. "He showed no remorse for his action, leaving Samuel at the station and continuing on with his evening. "The quick-time and thorough investigation by the teams involved meant Miles was identified and apprehended quickly. "There is zero tolerance for violence on the railway and I'd like to thank my team for their hard work and determination to secure justice for Samuel's family."
