BRIAN SMITH FROM LANCASHIRE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN NORTH EAST
A disturbing case involving a convicted sex offender from Lancashire has come to light, revealing his online boasts about abusing a child and his subsequent arrest.In October 2019, Brian David Smith engaged in an online chat with an individual he believed to be a fellow user but was actually an undercover officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).
During this conversation, Smith openly admitted to sexually abusing a child, revealing details that confirmed his involvement in such heinous acts.
Following this admission, Smith continued to communicate with the officer via phone calls, during which he made arrangements to meet what he thought was a 12-year-old girl.
His plan was disturbingly explicit: he intended to take her virginity, demonstrating a clear intent to commit a serious sexual offence against a minor.
In November 2019, Smith traveled from his residence in Morecambe, Lancashire, to a predetermined location in the North East, where he believed he would meet the young girl.
However, upon arrival, he was met by officers from NEROCU who had been waiting for him.
His attempt to carry out the planned offence was thwarted by law enforcement, leading to his immediate arrest on suspicion of attempting to facilitate a child sex offence.
During his arrest and subsequent police caution, Smith expressed remorse, stating, “I don’t know why I did it.
I’ve made a big mistake.” A search of his person revealed possession of sex toys, sweets, and a mobile phone, items that further implicated him in his criminal activities.
Later that same day, officers from the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team conducted a thorough search of Smith’s home located on Fairhope Avenue in Morecambe.
The search uncovered a disturbing collection of indecent images of children and extreme pornographic material stored on multiple electronic devices, confirming his involvement in the possession and distribution of illegal content.
Law enforcement was also able to identify and confirm the victim of Smith’s abuse.
The young girl, who was just eight years old at the time, revealed that the abuse had started when she was very young and continued until she attempted to take her own life, overwhelmed by the trauma inflicted upon her.
Her testimony was crucial in establishing the severity and duration of Smith’s crimes.
Smith appeared before Preston Crown Court on Friday, January 19, where he faced justice for his actions.
The court sentenced him to 14 years in prison, with an additional three years on extended license, ensuring he remains under supervision for a significant period after his release.
He was convicted on multiple charges, including rape, indecent assault, arranging or facilitating the commission of a sexual offence, and making indecent images of children.
Furthermore, Smith was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was ordered to sign the Sex Offender’s Register for life, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
