DAVID NAYLOR AND DAVID SMITH FROM BRADFORD AND HOUGHTON LE SPRING SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Bradford and Houghton le Spring, a series of heinous crimes involving child sexual abuse and the distribution of indecent images have come to light, leading to significant prison sentences for those involved.

David Smith, aged 30, a resident of Stott Terrace, Eccleshill, Bradford, was found guilty of a series of grave offenses related to his sexual exploitation of a teenage boy. The Bradford Crown Court heard that Smith engaged in a four-month period of abuse with a 15-year-old victim, whom he met through an online dating website. During this time, Smith fantasized about having sex with boys as young as nine and used various implements such as handcuffs and gags to fulfill his warped desires.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Smith not only engaged in sexual acts with the boy but also encouraged him to pretend he was an 11-year-old child while wearing his school uniform. The relationship involved acts of sado-masochism, and Smith took explicit photographs of the abuse. These images, which included photographs of the boy in his school uniform, were later distributed among other like-minded individuals. The abuse was uncovered after the police seized Smith’s phone in April of the previous year, which contained two video clips showing young boys, approximately eight years old, using toilets at Tropical World in Roundhay Park, Leeds.

Furthermore, Smith was found to have photographed other unsuspecting young boys in public toilets, adding to the severity of his criminal conduct. The case also revealed that Smith and his accomplice, Matthew Lomas, 29, of Burnstall Crescent, Menston, exchanged messages in which they discussed their sexual interests and plans to meet boys as young as 11. Lomas was convicted of encouraging Smith to send him photographs of the abuse and was sentenced to eight months in prison for six counts of making indecent images of a child.

David Naylor, aged 26, of Finchvale View, Houghton le Spring, Tyne and Wear, was also implicated in the case. He pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent images of a child, which were sent to him by Smith, including images of the 15-year-old victim. Naylor was sentenced to a 12-month community order with supervision, despite not requesting the images himself.

The court heard that the abuse of the Bradford-area teenager was initiated after contact was made through a website catering to gay men. Initially, the boy claimed to be 18 but later disclosed that he was only 15. Smith admitted to multiple charges, including four counts of sexual activity with a minor, one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, six counts of producing and distributing indecent images, and voyeurism.

Judge John Potter described Smith as “a committed paedophile” and emphasized the corrupting influence he had on his young victim. He stated, “On any view of this criminality, there is clearly an element of corruption of your child victim for your own perverted sexual gratification.” Smith showed no emotion as he was sentenced to six years and four months in prison.

In mitigation, Smith’s legal representative, Stephen Couch, acknowledged the seriousness of the sentence and noted that his client now recognizes the extent of his offending and has expressed remorse. The court found no evidence that Smith infected his victim with any disease. Meanwhile, Lomas’s family expressed shame over his actions, and he has lost his job. Julian White, representing Lomas, stated, “He is a man who realises he has done wrong and will not do it again.” The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the distribution of illegal images, with the community left to grapple with the disturbing revelations.