DAMIEN SMITH FROM CARLISLE BANNED FROM APPROACHING LONE WOMEN AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT AND THEFT INCIDENTS
In a significant legal development in Carlisle, Damien Christopher Smith, aged 34, has been subjected to a strict court order following his conviction for a sexual assault and allegations of theft involving women’s underwear.The court has imposed a five-year sexual harm prevention order aimed at safeguarding the public, particularly targeting his interactions with lone females in public spaces.
Damien Smith, a resident of Shadygrove Road, Raffles, was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in June of the previous year.
The assault involved inappropriate touching over her clothing, accompanied by sexual comments.
During the police interview following his arrest, Smith attempted to shift blame onto the victim, citing her choice of clothing and her red lipstick as factors he claimed influenced his behavior.
When questioned by officers, he reportedly asked, “What does she expect?” which highlighted his dismissive attitude towards the seriousness of his actions.
In addition to the sexual assault, authorities are aware of an incident on June 8, where Smith allegedly entered a private garden and stole female underwear from a washing line.
This incident further raised concerns about his understanding of the gravity of his offending and his potential for further inappropriate behavior.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution, represented by lawyer Gemma Rogerson, requested the imposition of a five-year sexual harm prevention order.
The order specifically prohibits Smith from approaching or initiating conversations with any lone female in public places unless he is engaged in obtaining goods or services, and even then, only if such contact is inadvertent.
The court, presided over by District Judge John Temperley, agreed that the legal criteria for issuing the order had been met.
Judge Temperley emphasized that the order was justified not only because of Smith’s recent conviction but also due to other incidents from 2021 and early 2023, which, although not resulting in convictions, demonstrated a pattern of similar behavior.
The judge stated, “I am satisfied that the order is necessary,” and clarified that any breach of the conditions would constitute a criminal offense punishable by up to five years in prison.
Furthermore, Smith will remain on the Sex Offender Register for the full five-year duration of the order.
As part of his sentence for the sexual assault, he was given a one-year community order, which included 100 hours of unpaid work and a requirement to pay £200 in compensation to the victim.
The court’s decision reflects a serious effort to prevent future offenses and protect vulnerable individuals in Carlisle from potential harm caused by Smith’s actions.
