EDWIN SMITH, THE DANGEROUS BARGOED RAPIST, SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IN CARDIFF

In a significant case that has shocked the local community of Bargoed near Caerphilly, Edwin Smith, a 43-year-old man with a disturbing history of sexual offenses, has been handed an 18-year prison sentence at Cardiff Crown Court. Smith, who has been identified as a serial rapist and paedophile, was convicted of a series of heinous crimes spanning over two decades, from 1985 to 2006.

Throughout his trial, which took place in Newport last month, Smith’s attempts to evade justice became evident. In a dramatic turn of events, he was caught trying to flee the area by heading north on the M5 motorway, an effort to escape the consequences of his actions. Despite his efforts to avoid conviction, the court found him guilty of 13 separate offenses, including multiple counts of rape and sexual assault.

Judge Rhys Rowlands delivered a stern verdict, describing Smith’s crimes as among the “worst of their kind.” The judge detailed the severity of the offenses, highlighting a particularly brutal and prolonged attack on one woman, which he characterized as a “horrific, depraved assault.” The victim in that case endured humiliation and abuse over a significant period, a fact that deeply resonated with the court and underscored the gravity of Smith’s actions.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Rowlands emphasized the importance of protecting the public from individuals like Smith, who pose a serious threat due to the nature of their crimes. “There is a need to protect the public from serious sexual harm from you and this sentence will ensure that,” he stated. The judge also criticized Smith’s conduct during the trial, noting his failure to return to court and his apparent lack of remorse. “Your behaviour during your trial, including your failure to return to court, showed you don’t have an ounce of remorse for the harm you have caused to these four women,” he added.

Following the sentencing, Kath Coleman, a senior prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), expressed her views on the case. She described Edwin Smith as a “highly dangerous and devious individual” and affirmed that his lengthy detention was justified. Coleman also praised the bravery of Smith’s victims, acknowledging the trauma they endured and expressing hope that the court’s decision would aid their recovery. “I would like to pay tribute to Smith’s victims for finding the courage to come forward and report what happened to them,” she said. “This has obviously been an extremely traumatic time for them and we can only hope that today’s sentencing will help them as they try to move forward with their lives.”