FREDERICK SMITH, BRITAIN'S OLDEST CONVICTED PAEDOPHILE, DIES IN NORWICH PRISON AT AGE 94

In December 2014, Frederick Smith, known as Britain's oldest convicted paedophile, passed away in prison at the age of 94, just weeks after being sentenced for sexually abusing a schoolgirl.

Smith died at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital following a fall from his prison bed in Norwich Prison, which resulted in fractured ribs. His condition worsened after being admitted to hospital.

An inquest into his death has been opened, and authorities informed Mirror.co.uk on Tuesday that investigations are ongoing.

The elderly offender was sentenced in June at Ipswich Crown Court to 12 months imprisonment for abusing the schoolgirl over a decade during the 1970s and 80s. He admitted to four counts of indecent assault between 1972 and 1982, and one count of indecency with a child spanning from 1972 to 1976.

His now adult victim revealed that Smith had sexually assaulted her multiple times over the years, fearing he would kill her if she reported him. She first endured abuse in a shed used by bus drivers.

Judge David Goodin, addressing Smith who was from Haverhill, Suffolk, remarked as he sentenced him: “As frail as you are, bent over your Zimmer frame, justice cries out that you be sent to prison for your crimes.”

Smith was transferred from a care home to prison in a wheelchair and died on September 26.

A prison service spokesperson stated: “HMP Norwich prisoner Frederick Smith was pronounced dead at an outside hospital on September 26. As with all deaths in custody, an investigation will be conducted by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”