ANTHONY SMALE FROM BARNSTAPLE JAILED FOR DECADES-OLD CHILD ABUSE CASES
| Red Rose Database
Barnstaple Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has spanned decades and left lasting scars on the victims, Anthony Smale, a pensioner from Barnstaple, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for heinous acts of child abuse. The court heard that Smale, who was involved in the care of two young girls during the 1970s and 1990s, exploited their innocence and trust to commit a series of sexual offenses.
According to evidence presented at Exeter Crown Court, Smale, a retired worker from a meat factory, took advantage of his role as a babysitter to carry out his disturbing acts. The victims, who are now adults, endured years of psychological trauma, including struggles with anorexia, self-harm, and difficulties forming healthy relationships, all of which stem from the abuse they suffered during their childhood.
The court was told that one of the victims only decided to come forward after reading in the Journal that Smale had appeared in court following allegations made by the other girl. This revelation prompted her to summon the courage to report the abuse, which had been kept secret for many years.
Smale, aged 72 and residing at Fair View, Barnstaple, faced multiple charges. He denied nine counts of indecent assault against one girl and 13 counts of indecent assault or gross indecency against the other. Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty of all charges, leading to his sentencing by Judge Graham Cottle.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Cottle described Smale’s actions as “sustained and serious abuse of two very young girls,” emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved. The judge criticized Smale for choosing to deny the allegations, forcing the victims to relive their painful memories during the trial. He condemned Smale’s behavior as incomprehensible and said that he used the girls as “sexual toys” to satisfy his own desires.
The judge further stated that the victims had suffered irreparable damage, experiencing the full spectrum of childhood abuse. He remarked that Smale believed he had evaded justice for many years but that the law had finally caught up with him, warranting a lengthy prison sentence.
During the four-day trial, the victims recounted how Smale initially groomed them through minor assaults before escalating to more serious acts. Smale maintained his innocence throughout, asserting that all allegations were false and claiming, “I never abused either of these girls.” The court, however, found the evidence against him compelling, resulting in his conviction and subsequent imprisonment.
According to evidence presented at Exeter Crown Court, Smale, a retired worker from a meat factory, took advantage of his role as a babysitter to carry out his disturbing acts. The victims, who are now adults, endured years of psychological trauma, including struggles with anorexia, self-harm, and difficulties forming healthy relationships, all of which stem from the abuse they suffered during their childhood.
The court was told that one of the victims only decided to come forward after reading in the Journal that Smale had appeared in court following allegations made by the other girl. This revelation prompted her to summon the courage to report the abuse, which had been kept secret for many years.
Smale, aged 72 and residing at Fair View, Barnstaple, faced multiple charges. He denied nine counts of indecent assault against one girl and 13 counts of indecent assault or gross indecency against the other. Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty of all charges, leading to his sentencing by Judge Graham Cottle.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Cottle described Smale’s actions as “sustained and serious abuse of two very young girls,” emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved. The judge criticized Smale for choosing to deny the allegations, forcing the victims to relive their painful memories during the trial. He condemned Smale’s behavior as incomprehensible and said that he used the girls as “sexual toys” to satisfy his own desires.
The judge further stated that the victims had suffered irreparable damage, experiencing the full spectrum of childhood abuse. He remarked that Smale believed he had evaded justice for many years but that the law had finally caught up with him, warranting a lengthy prison sentence.
During the four-day trial, the victims recounted how Smale initially groomed them through minor assaults before escalating to more serious acts. Smale maintained his innocence throughout, asserting that all allegations were false and claiming, “I never abused either of these girls.” The court, however, found the evidence against him compelling, resulting in his conviction and subsequent imprisonment.