How to find Old Bailey case (c.1998) – Sterlin Simon modelling agent scam?
Posted by Svelteme@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Hi,
I’m trying to find records of a case from around 1998 at the Old Bailey involving a man named Sterlin Simon (or similar spelling).
He was presenting himself as a modelling agent/scout and approaching young women, then arranging meetings at a flat under the pretext of “market research” or modelling opportunities.
This is something I was personally connected to at the time, and I also remember it being reported in News of the World, but I haven’t been able to find the actual article or confirm full court details online.
Does anyone know:
- How to access Old Bailey case records from the late 90s?
- Where News of the World archives can be searched (especially 1998)?
- Any databases, libraries, or paid services that might hold this kind of report?
I’m trying to piece together accurate records, so any help would be really appreciated.
Chemical-Cake4208@reddit
Your local library might give your digital access to press reader or the times digital archive. You can get some free case law from bailii https://www.bailii.org/ but i don't think old bailey records. As someone else said legal resources like Westlaw would be your best online bet, but unless you are at Uni or know someone is they will be financially prohibitive to access.
phoria123@reddit
Sorry I used to have access to court databases at Uni but don't anymore.
I would recommend either paying for Westlaw or asking someone you know who is a solicitor or studying at University.
It is pretty easy to search once you access to those databases.
If it isn't in there then the court never published the case, in which case you could maybe contact Old Bailey for their Archive in the off chance they kept it. Though would likely cost money to get access also
a-liquid-sky@reddit
Old Court records are available through the National Archives
News of the World should be available on a newspaper archive. One is linked but there are multiple websites.
Svelteme@reddit (OP)
Thanks — I’ve checked the National Archives but I think this type of case/reporting may be more likely in newspaper archives or British Library collections, especially News of the World. I’m trying to locate where those late 90s tabloid archives are stored digitally or physically
disastermoons@reddit
The British Library is probably your best bet for historical newspapers - some research results here. You can access some old papers online via various services but in some cases, you need to go to the BL in London/Boston Spa
a-liquid-sky@reddit
The digital newspaper archives will be your best bet then.
No idea if copies will be held physically after so long.
Svelteme@reddit (OP)
He tended to operate around SOUTH WEST LONDON UK. He had a flat in Battetsea and claimed another branch was in knightbridge. He used to have dreadlocks and he also had a girlfriend working with him to help commit the crimes .
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