GEORGE SMITH AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN HAMPSHIRE
| Red Rose Database
Hampshire Rapist
A man identified as George Smith has been sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison, with an additional four-year extended licence, after being convicted of serious sexual offences involving a young girl in Hampshire. Smith, aged 65 and residing on Salmons Road in Odiham, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 13, which took place last year.
The sentencing took place at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, May 27, in the presence of Smith’s family members, who watched the proceedings unfold as he was formally sentenced to serve time behind bars. The judge presiding over the case, Andrew Barnett, described Smith’s actions as both shocking and unforgivable, emphasizing that his conduct towards the girl was deviant and perverted.
Throughout the trial, Smith maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the four charges. However, a jury convicted him of rape of a child under 13, along with two counts of sexual assault against a child under 13 and inciting or causing a child to engage in sexual activity. The court heard that Smith exploited his victim's innocence in a manipulative and criminal manner.
In a poignant victim impact statement, the mother of the young girl expressed her profound distress and heartbreak. She described Smith’s evil intentions and actions as beyond explanation, stating that her daughter’s innocence had been stolen from her. She also commended her daughter’s bravery in speaking out against Smith, noting that her courage prevents him from harming other girls in the future.
The defence, represented by Adrienne Knight, sought to provide mitigating circumstances. Ms. Knight explained that Smith’s wife would be deeply affected by his imprisonment, as he was the family’s primary breadwinner. She also highlighted Smith’s health issues, claiming that his health had deteriorated in recent years, which would likely make imprisonment more burdensome for him. According to her, Smith was a hardworking landscaper and gardener who had employed several workers over the years. She further remarked that, if released, Smith’s landscaping business would likely be gone, leaving him with very little.
Despite the verdict, Smith was acquitted of possessing or viewing an indecent image of a child on his work computer. Nevertheless, Judge Barnett pointed out that the computer contained images involving young girls, which indicated concerning thoughts and behaviors. The judge stated that this evidence reflected a disturbed mind and contributed to his view that Smith posed a danger to the public.
Consequently, Smith was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order, aimed at protecting others from potential harm. The judge underscored the severity of Smith’s actions and the risk he posed, resulting in the extended license and strict conditions on his future conduct to ensure public safety in Hampshire.
The sentencing took place at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, May 27, in the presence of Smith’s family members, who watched the proceedings unfold as he was formally sentenced to serve time behind bars. The judge presiding over the case, Andrew Barnett, described Smith’s actions as both shocking and unforgivable, emphasizing that his conduct towards the girl was deviant and perverted.
Throughout the trial, Smith maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the four charges. However, a jury convicted him of rape of a child under 13, along with two counts of sexual assault against a child under 13 and inciting or causing a child to engage in sexual activity. The court heard that Smith exploited his victim's innocence in a manipulative and criminal manner.
In a poignant victim impact statement, the mother of the young girl expressed her profound distress and heartbreak. She described Smith’s evil intentions and actions as beyond explanation, stating that her daughter’s innocence had been stolen from her. She also commended her daughter’s bravery in speaking out against Smith, noting that her courage prevents him from harming other girls in the future.
The defence, represented by Adrienne Knight, sought to provide mitigating circumstances. Ms. Knight explained that Smith’s wife would be deeply affected by his imprisonment, as he was the family’s primary breadwinner. She also highlighted Smith’s health issues, claiming that his health had deteriorated in recent years, which would likely make imprisonment more burdensome for him. According to her, Smith was a hardworking landscaper and gardener who had employed several workers over the years. She further remarked that, if released, Smith’s landscaping business would likely be gone, leaving him with very little.
Despite the verdict, Smith was acquitted of possessing or viewing an indecent image of a child on his work computer. Nevertheless, Judge Barnett pointed out that the computer contained images involving young girls, which indicated concerning thoughts and behaviors. The judge stated that this evidence reflected a disturbed mind and contributed to his view that Smith posed a danger to the public.
Consequently, Smith was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order, aimed at protecting others from potential harm. The judge underscored the severity of Smith’s actions and the risk he posed, resulting in the extended license and strict conditions on his future conduct to ensure public safety in Hampshire.