DAVID SMITH FROM MORETON IN MARSH JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Moreton in Marsh and the wider Gloucestershire area, David Smith, aged 37, has been sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of a series of serious sexual offences involving minors. The case came to light following a police investigation that uncovered a disturbing pattern of illegal activity centered around Smith's residence near Tewkesbury.

It was in September 2021 that Gloucestershire Police initiated an investigation after discovering that indecent videos were being uploaded from an address associated with Smith. The investigation revealed that Smith had been involved in the distribution of child sexual abuse images and had secretly recorded a teenage girl engaging in sexual activity with her boyfriend. These revelations prompted a detailed examination of Smith’s digital devices, which confirmed his involvement in multiple illegal activities.

The digital evidence was particularly alarming. Authorities found that Smith had sent ten illegal videos depicting children via the Telegram messaging service, along with one indecent image of a child. The investigation also uncovered that Smith had, on four separate occasions in 2018, secretly recorded videos of a teenage girl in various states of undress. One such video showed the girl undressing herself alongside two female friends, with her private parts clearly visible, highlighting the disturbing nature of his voyeuristic activities.

Further incriminating evidence was uncovered from a video recorded on February 26, 2020, in which Smith captured footage of an underage girl having sex with her boyfriend. This act of voyeurism was part of a broader pattern of predatory behavior that the court considered during sentencing.

During the trial at Gloucester Crown Court on May 5, prosecutor Sam Jones described Smith’s actions as the work of a paedophile, emphasizing the calculated nature of his crimes. Jones stated that Smith had installed hidden cameras with the intent of capturing sexual acts, which he hoped would yield 'something interesting.'

Smith, who resides on Anson Close in Moreton in Marsh, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including four counts of voyeurism for recording sexual acts without consent, and taking indecent videos of minors. His offenses also included making and possessing numerous indecent images and videos, with categories ranging from A to C, totaling 25 category A images, 19 videos, 52 category B images, and four videos, along with eight category C images.

The court heard that Smith’s actions demonstrated a clear sexual interest in underage girls and involved significant planning, including the purchase and installation of internet cameras at specific locations. Recorder James Bromige condemned Smith’s behavior, describing voyeurism as an abuse of trust and highlighting the premeditated nature of his crimes.

In addition to the prison sentence, Smith was ordered to remain on the sex offenders’ register for life. He was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his use of the internet and electronic devices. Authorities confiscated his electronic equipment as part of the ongoing efforts to prevent further offending. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action by law enforcement to protect vulnerable minors from exploitation and abuse.