DAMIAN SMITH JAILED IN BRADFORD FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST TEENS
A man from Bradford, Damien Smith, aged 35, has been sentenced to over ten years in prison for multiple serious sexual offences.His crimes include the rape of a teenage girl, a violent sexual assault on a young man in 2017, and the possession of indecent images of children, including footage of youngsters using a bathroom.
Smith will also be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
During the hearing at Bradford Crown Court, it was revealed that Smith’s assault on the young man was described as 'violent and shocking,' occurring in 2017.
However, he was only prosecuted after his subsequent offence against a teenage girl came to light.
The identities of both victims remain confidential due to legal restrictions, but Judge Colin Burn noted that their experiences are something they will never forget.
Judge Burn characterised Smith as 'a predatory person,' and highlighted that his guilty pleas to all charges served as the court's main mitigation.
He also acknowledged the bravery of the teenage girl in reporting Smith’s repeated abuse.
When Smith was arrested, authorities discovered indecent images of children and recordings of young children using a bathroom on his phone.
Currently incarcerated at HMP Leeds, Smith pleaded guilty to several charges, including child rape, sexual assault, voyeurism, and possession of indecent images.
In her victim impact statement, the teenage girl expressed her feelings, saying: 'I feel a lot of anger towards Damien for what he has put me through.' Representing Smith, barrister Fiona Clancy stated he fully accepts that his behavior was unacceptable and is remorseful.
She added, 'He is remorseful.
He is ashamed.
He wishes to serve his time and be punished for this offending.' Judge Burn sentenced Smith to 10 and a half years in prison, noting he must serve at least two-thirds before being eligible for parole.
Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Julie Deacon from Bradford Safeguarding Unit described Smith as 'a danger to children.' She praised the bravery of the victims for coming forward, stating: 'Thanks to a thorough investigation by Bradford District Safeguarding Unit and partner agencies, it left Smith with no choice but to plead guilty to the offences.' She also emphasised that Smith’s guilty plea has spared his victims the trauma of a trial.
Deacon concluded by affirming West Yorkshire Police’s commitment to taking all reports of sexual assault seriously and assured victims that authorities will do everything possible to ensure justice is served.
