Concert Pianist Guilty of Child Indecent Assault

CONCERT PIANIST GUILTY OF CHILD INDECENT ASSAULT

A concert pianist has been hauled before the courts for indecently assaulting a child while he was a teenager.

Christopher Smith was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault on a child under the age of 14.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the defendant, who is now 39, was a teenager at the time of the offences and, as a result, was sentenced in line with the youth guidelines.

Smith, of Fernie Road, Guisborough, had returned to the UK from Australia to face the charges.

Smith had previously been handed a caution in relation to the abuse but further disclosures were made by the victim years later and an investigation launched.

The court heard he was "racked with guilt by what he had done" but denied the two charges and was found guilty following a trial.

The court heard how there have been no further incidents of this nature and Smith does not "harbour a sexual interest in children".

In a victim impact statement, which was read out in court, the victim said they "struggle to trust people" and described Smith as a "monster".

Matthew Paul, mitigating, said: "Everything has been taken away from him by the process he has gone through in this case." Circuit Judge Richard Bennett said: "Your career has suffered as a result of your conviction.

You lost your home and had to return from Australia to the UK as you did quite properly to face the charges." Adding: "At the time you were a young man of good character." Smith was handed a 24 month community order which includes a mental health treatment order.

He must also carry out 200 hours of unpaid work over 12 months.

Notification requirements were also made for the next five years.