DEREK SMITH FROM DARWEN SHOCKS EAST LANCS WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT OSWALDTWISTLE PARTY

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through East Lancashire, Derek Smith, a man originally from Oswaldtwistle but residing in Darwen, has been convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving a young girl. The incident took place during a Boxing Night gathering in Oswaldtwistle, where Smith, then aged 22, engaged in a series of criminal acts that culminated in the rape of a 12-year-old girl.

According to court proceedings at Manchester Crown Court, Smith allowed the young girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, to perform a sexual act on him inside his vehicle. The court was informed that Smith had been aware of her age, as he was told earlier in the evening that she was only 12 years old. Despite this knowledge, he proceeded with the assault, which he later admitted to instigating and participating in.

The court heard that both Smith and the girl were guests at the same party in Oswaldtwistle. As the night progressed, Smith's behavior became increasingly unruly and drunken, causing concern among other attendees. It was noted that Smith was grieving the recent death of his young son, which may have contributed to his erratic conduct. During the evening, Smith left the party to go to his car to 'sort his head out,' and the girl reportedly went out to see him on several occasions to offer comfort.

At one point, the girl's uncle noticed the steamed-up windows of Smith's car and became suspicious. He used his mobile phone to confirm his suspicions after observing the situation. The court was told that Smith's car was subsequently damaged by other party guests, and the girl was forcibly removed from the scene. The girl's family and witnesses provided testimony that painted a picture of a night marred by alcohol, grief, and ultimately, criminal acts.

Judge Simon Gibson sentenced Smith to 27 months in prison for his actions. Additionally, Smith was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for ten years and was disqualified from working with children. The court emphasized the severity of the crime and the need for ongoing monitoring of Smith's conduct, reflecting the serious nature of his offenses.

In a related case from September 2008, Smith, then 23, faced similar allegations concerning a sexual assault on a girl in his vehicle on Boxing Day. He had previously denied these allegations but admitted to the charges during the court proceedings. The court was told that Smith was intoxicated and emotionally distressed following the death of his baby son in September of that year. The girl involved had entered his vehicle, and during the encounter, sexual contact occurred. Smith was remanded on bail until October 24 for a pre-sentence report and was scheduled for sentencing at Manchester Crown Court.

As part of his bail conditions, Smith was ordered to live at his home address, avoid contact with children under 16, and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses. He was also banned from entering the borough of Hyndburn, where the offenses took place, and was subject to a curfew from 9 pm to 7 am. Judge John Gibson highlighted the importance of assessing Smith's dangerousness and warned that he could face a custodial sentence of up to four years, emphasizing that a prison term was the most likely outcome given the gravity of his crimes.