DAVID SMITH AND SHOCKING RAPE IN DERBY
A man from Derby, identified as David Smith, has been convicted of a serious sexual offence involving a woman who was asleep at the time of the attack.The incident, which took place in Derby, was brought to light after the victim chose to disclose the assault several years later, revealing the extent of her trauma and the long-lasting impact it had on her life.
According to court proceedings at Derby Crown Court, Smith, who resides in Allenton, took advantage of the woman’s vulnerable state while she was sleeping, committing a sexual assault that she kept secret for many years.
It was only after she decided to report the crime that authorities became aware of the full details.
Smith was subsequently arrested, questioned, and charged with the offence.
During the pre-sentence investigation, it was noted by the officers that interviewed Smith that he displayed what was described as an “entrenched attitude,” indicating a persistent belief that he had done nothing wrong.
This attitude was highlighted as a concerning aspect of his character during sentencing.
In delivering his sentence, Recorder Adrian Reynolds emphasized the gravity of the offence and its devastating effects on the victim.
He stated, “When a judge has to sentence in a case like this, he or she has to take into account a number of things.
Primarily, and I mean primarily, there is the extent to which you have ruined (the victim’s) life, and the enormity of that has to be factored in.” The judge acknowledged that the victim had endured a long wait for justice and expressed hope that she would find some sense of closure.
He also recognized Smith’s decision to plead guilty, which spared the victim the ordeal of giving evidence in court and reliving her trauma.
The court noted that many offenders in similar cases choose to deny guilt, which often prolongs the suffering of victims.
However, the judge was critical of Smith’s attitude and remorse.
He pointed out that although Smith had admitted guilt, he had not shown genuine remorse or empathy.
“You have shown a complete lack of empathy,” Reynolds said.
“You have degraded and undermined her self-esteem and self-confidence.
In her own words, you have demonstrated a total lack of remorse.” Smith, who is now 53 years old, was described as a man who had no prior criminal record.
He pleaded guilty to the charge of rape, which the court acknowledged as an immediate custodial sentence.
Lauren Fisher, representing Smith, explained that the guilty plea meant the victim did not have to testify, which was a mitigating factor.
Fisher also noted that Smith was supported by his family, who had attended most of the court hearings.
She provided references from family members describing a different man from the one who appeared before the court that day.
In addition to the prison sentence, Recorder Reynolds ordered that Smith be placed on the sex offender register for life.
He will serve two-thirds of his sentence, amounting to five years, before being eligible for release.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the offence and the lasting consequences for the offender.
