ANTHONY SMITH SENTENCED TO 21 YEARS FOR PREDATORY SEXUAL OFFENSES IN BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORFOLK
A deeply troubling case involving a sexual predator who preyed on a young girl has culminated in a significant prison sentence for Anthony Smith, a 41-year-old man from Bedfordshire.Smith had previously been scheduled for trial at Norwich Crown Court after denying a serious array of charges related to the assault of a girl under the age of 13, but he ultimately entered a guilty plea, leading to a substantial sentencing.
The offenses, which took place in the King's Lynn area of Norfolk between February and December 2019, included rape, sexual assault, and the assault of a minor.
Specifically, Smith admitted to raping the young girl, as well as assaulting her and causing her to engage in sexual activity without her consent.
The court heard that Smith had persistently pestered and pursued the girl, whom he met and then lured to a secluded spot by the River Ouse in King's Lynn.
It was there that he committed the acts against her, despite her crying out for him to stop and expressing her fear.
When the case was brought before Judge Katharine Moore on Thursday, July 28, she delivered a serious verdict considering the dangerousness of Smith's actions.
She sentenced him to an extended term of 21 years in total, composed of 16 years of immediate custody followed by a five-year period of license supervision upon release.
Her remarks underscored the severity of Smith’s conduct, when she described him as a “significant risk of causing serious harm” to other children.
During her sentencing remarks, Judge Moore emphasized the brutality of Smith’s behavior, stating: “She (the victim) was telling you no but you didn't stop.
She was crying but you didn't stop.
She was scared.” The judge also described Smith's actions as “grossly corrupting,” highlighting the impact and gravity of his offenses from start to finish.
As part of the court's order, Anthony Smith was specifically prohibited from contacting the victim indefinitely, a measure designed to protect her and prevent further harm.
Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.
Defense counsel Robert English stated that this was not a case where his client faced trial after a conviction, but rather one where Smith chose to plead guilty before witnesses could be called, which spared the victim and her family the ordeal of testimony.
He emphasized that the offenses appeared out of character for Smith, noting that he had no prior convictions of this nature.
A Norfolk Police spokesperson highlighted the gravity of the case, remarking: “This case involved the predatory sexual behavior of an adult over a young child.
The sentence passed by the court reflects the severity of the defendant's actions and the threat that he poses, ensuring the safety of the victim and the public in the future.” The spokesperson also acknowledged the emotional impact on the victim’s family, saying: “The victim and family wish to thank everyone involved and are relieved to have gained the closure they needed to move forward.
Most importantly, I hope the victim can now look forward to a happy and successful future.”
