DAVID SMITH FROM CLEVEDON AND SWANAGE: SHOCKING CHILD SEX ABUSE SCANDAL UNVEILED

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Clevedon and Swanage, David Smith, a priest with a dark history of child abuse, remains on the church payroll despite being convicted and sentenced for his heinous crimes. Smith, who was sentenced to five and a half years in prison in July 2007 for abusing six young boys, continues to receive his annual stipend of £20,000, raising questions about the church’s handling of such cases.

Although he is still officially recognized as the vicar of St John The Evangelist Church in Clevedon, the Church of England has stated that efforts are underway to formally remove him from his clerical position. However, the process of disassociating him from his duties is complex and can take several months to complete, according to church officials.

Smith’s troubling history extends beyond his time in prison. It has been revealed that he used trips to his family’s home in Swanage, a seaside town, as opportunities to groom and abuse vulnerable boys. His parents owned a house near the High Street in Swanage, which Smith inherited after their passing. Police confirmed that they visited this property as part of their ongoing investigation into his crimes.

His pattern of abuse dates back to 1976, when he was working as a housemaster at a preparatory school in Berkshire. It was during this period that he first began to commit acts of sexual misconduct. After becoming a priest in 1979, his abusive behavior continued, spanning nearly three decades.

Victims, now adults, testified during the trial about the trauma they endured. They recounted how Smith had assaulted them during sleepovers at his vicarage and during day trips to Swanage, often gaining their trust by inviting them to help with homework or to accompany him on seaside excursions. These trips and sleepovers were exploited as opportunities for abuse, with Smith preying on boys under the guise of mentorship and friendship.

In total, Smith was convicted on 10 counts of indecency, one count of sexual assault, and one count of sexual activity involving six boys under the age of 16, with incidents spanning from September 1976 to May 2005. The case was brought to light after one of his last victims, who aspired to become a priest himself, confided in a female parishioner about the abuse. This confession prompted police to investigate further, leading to the identification of additional victims, including one who has since become a police officer.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Bath and Wells explained that the church cannot immediately dismiss Smith due to the legal and procedural steps involved. “We can’t just sack someone who has a parson’s lease on the spot, it takes time,” they stated. The church has initiated the process to remove him from his clerical duties, and officials expect this to be finalized within the upcoming week, signaling a move towards accountability and justice for the victims involved.